The 7th edition of the Lokmat One World Summit took place on 25 August 2026 at the Hôtel Méridien in Pointe-aux-Piments. Against the backdrop of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Mauritius reaffirmed its ambition: to be the indispensable platform for trade between India and Africa's 1.4 billion-strong market, with 900 million consumers in the crosshairs of Indian investors by 2030.
A Summit at the Crossroads
Organised by Indian media group Lokmat Media, the annual event brought together decision-makers, entrepreneurs and diplomatic figures. The 7th edition welcomed President Dharam Gokhool, Agriculture Minister Arvin Boolell, Junior Foreign Affairs Minister Rajen Narsinghen, Indian High Commissioner Anurag Srivastava and Lokmat Media Chairman Vijay Darda.
The message was set from the outset: Mauritius is not merely a tourist stop for Indian investors — it is a continental gateway. « Don't just look at Mauritius, » declared Narsinghen, calling on Indian entrepreneurs to adopt a pan-African vision from the island. Minister Boolell echoed the point, describing Mauritius as « a springboard » towards Africa.
Six Sectors, One Roadmap
Discussions targeted six priority sectors for India-Mauritius cooperation: artificial intelligence, blue economy, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical tourism and education — areas that precisely overlap with the priorities of the Economic Development Board's Industrial Sector Strategic Plan 2026-2030.
Why It Matters
The India-Mauritius relationship is entering a new phase: that of joint deployment across Africa. For the broader Indian Ocean region, this repositioning illustrates Mauritius's rise as a strategic hub for south-south trade. Businesses in Réunion, Madagascar and the Seychelles should closely watch this dynamic — and explore possible synergies in the sectors being targeted.