Mauritius's Economic Development Board (EDB) has unveiled its 2026-2027 action plan, targeting between Rs 38 billion and Rs 40 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI). The plan comprises over 200 actions across 28 initiatives, with a core focus on accelerating investment realisation and simplifying the business environment.
Six priority sectors for economic diversification
The EDB is concentrating efforts on six strategic sectors: financial services, the blue economy, agribusiness, life sciences, the digital economy and high-tech manufacturing. These are identified as the levers of structural transformation for the Mauritian economy, with GDP growth projected at 3% for 2026 by the African Development Bank, despite public debt exceeding 80% of GDP.
Africa missions in September, presence at major forums
On the international prospecting front, the EDB is planning multisectoral missions to Ethiopia, Tanzania and Kenya between 21 and 25 September 2026, targeting African investors and trade partners. Mauritius will also participate in the US-Africa Business Summit in December and is preparing for the EU-Africa Summit planned for 2027. These initiatives form part of the island's strategy to reposition itself as an investment platform between Africa and the rest of the world.
E-Diaspora and 'Silent Agreement' to fast-track projects
Among new initiatives, the EDB will launch an E-Diaspora platform connecting approximately 3,000 Mauritian professionals living abroad with local investment opportunities. A Business Facilitation Bill will introduce the 'Silent Agreement' principle: if the administration does not respond within the statutory deadline, the project is automatically deemed approved. Of 20 projects totalling Rs 29.6 billion reviewed by the council, five worth Rs 13.7 billion have already been unblocked.
Why it matters
Mauritius aspires to high-income country status, but that qualitative leap requires mobilising far greater levels of investment than today. The Rs 40 billion FDI target, combined with Rs 125 billion in private investment and Rs 495 billion in goods and services exports, illustrates the scale of the challenge. The September Africa missions will be a first real-world test of Mauritius's ability to translate its financial hub reputation into a concrete engine of regional economic diversification.