Why Trade with Mauritius?
Mauritius provides preferential and often duty-free access to a global market of billions through a comprehensive network of trade agreements, including with Africa (AfCFTA, COMESA, SADC), Europe (EU & UK EPAs), India (CECPA), and China (FTA).
Port Louis is a modern and efficient deep-water port. The Mauritius Freeport offers advanced infrastructure, including cold storage and processing units, with significant tax advantages like a 3% corporate tax rate and exemptions from customs duties and VAT for goods destined for re-export.
The country has a long-standing and sophisticated manufacturing sector, particularly in textiles, apparel, and sugar production, with a growing focus on high-value products.
A key pillar of the economy, the financial services sector facilitates international trade and cross-border investment, particularly into Africa, offering a secure and well-regulated environment.
Mauritius is recognized for its stable democracy, strong governance, robust legal system, and business-friendly environment, providing a predictable and secure platform for international trade.
The workforce is well-educated and fluent in both English (the official language) and French, which is crucial for international business communication and operations.
The country is a significant player in the processing and export of fish and fish preparations, a cornerstone of its goods export basket.
Mauritius: A Premier International Financial and Trade Hub
Mauritius has built its economic success on a foundation of openness, political stability, and a sophisticated, transparent trade and investment framework. Its strategy focuses on positioning itself as a secure and competitive hub for international business, connecting Africa, Asia, and the rest of the world.
Global & Bilateral Integration:
- WTO: Founding member and advocate for rules-based global trade.
- Bilateral Agreements:
- China-Mauritius FTA: Duty-free access for 8,000+ products.
- India-Mauritius CECPA: Preferential access to Indian markets.
- UK-ESA EPA: Continuity of trade post-Brexit.
- Turkey-Mauritius FTA: Zero duties on industrial goods.
Continental & Regional Integration:
- AfCFTA: Early ratifier; supports "Africa Strategy".
- SADC: Preferential access to the regional market.
- COMESA: Duty-free access to 580+ million people.
- IOC: Regional island cooperation on trade.
Investment & Legal Reforms:
- EDB: One-stop-shop for investors.
- Business Facilitation: Streamlined regulations via updated law.
- Advanced Legal System: Combines English and French legal principles with access to UK Privy Council.
Fiscal Regime: 15% tax rate, no capital gains or inheritance taxes. Incentives available for export/global sectors.
Mauritius has evolved into a service-driven economy with a strong focus on high-value sectors, blue economy, and technology-driven growth.
Current Trade Snapshot:
- Primary Exports: Textiles, fish products (mainly tuna), sugar, high-value services.
- Key Imports: Machinery, petroleum, food products, industrial inputs.
- Re-export/Transhipment: Through Mauritius Freeport hub.
Focus on High-Value Sectors:
- Financial Services: International Financial Centre supporting Africa and Asia investments.
- ICT & BPO: Skilled bilingual workforce, top telecoms infrastructure.
- High-End Manufacturing: Medical devices, precision engineering, fine jewellery/watches.
- Blue Economy: Aquaculture, marine biotech, deep ocean water innovations in a vast EEZ.
Mauritius has developed world-class logistics infrastructure and trade systems to support its role as a gateway for regional and international trade.
- Port Louis Harbour: Expanded capacity with modern container terminals and dredging for larger vessels.
- Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport: Cargo-dedicated Freeport zone for efficient freight handling.
- Mauritius TradeNet: Electronic Single Window connecting customs, port, and authorities—cutting clearance times.
- Customs Modernisation: Risk-based clearance system via the Mauritius Revenue Authority for faster processing and compliance.
Mauritius Trade & Investment Statistics
$8.9 Billion
Total Trade Volume
Annual goods trade (2023 est.)
90+
Double Taxation Agreements
Extensive global tax treaty network
#1
Africa for Ease of Doing Business
World Bank Ranking (consistently top-ranked in Africa)
>400
Freeport Operators
Companies operating in re-export & logistics hub
15%
Unified Corporate Tax Rate
Flat rate applied across sectors with incentives
>1,000
Global Business Companies
Licensed entities in cross-border investment, fintech, and fund management
Why Invest in Mauritius
Mauritius offers a mature and well-regulated platform for cross-border investment, private banking, wealth management, and global business activities, supported by a network of over 45 double taxation avoidance treaties.
The country leverages its strategic location, trade agreements, and business-friendly environment to position itself as the ideal hub for structuring investments into the fast-growing markets of Africa and Asia.
With a long history of stable democracy and a robust regulatory framework based on international best practices, Mauritius offers a secure and predictable investment climate.
The country provides a low-tax environment, including a harmonized 15% corporate and income tax rate, and a wide array of fiscal incentives such as tax holidays and exemptions in strategic sectors.
With a vast Exclusive Economic Zone of 2.3 million km², Mauritius is actively seeking investment in sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, marine renewable energy, and marine biotechnology.
The real estate sector attracts significant FDI, with numerous schemes for the development of luxury villas, resorts, and commercial properties, often linked to residency permits for investors.
The government is committed to sourcing 60% of its energy from renewables by 2030, creating major opportunities in solar, wind, and waste-to-energy projects.
Mauritius consistently ranks high in global ease of doing business indices, thanks to its streamlined processes for company registration, permitting, and its investor support infrastructure via the Economic Development Board (EDB).
Investment Sectors
Global business structuring, investment funds, private wealth management, insurance, banking, and fintech. The sector is a major contributor to GDP (approx. 14%).
Software development, BPO/KPO services, data centres, disaster recovery, fintech solutions, AI development, and digital services.
Development of luxury hotels, IRS/RES/PDS residential projects, smart cities, business parks, and high-end tourism and wellness facilities.
High value-added manufacturing in textiles, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, jewellery, and precision engineering.
Sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, seafood processing and export, marine renewable energy, and marine R&D.
Investment in solar farms, offshore wind, waste-to-energy plants, and energy efficiency solutions to meet the 60% renewables target by 2030.
Investment Incentives and Support (Facilitated by EDB)
These incentives support regional development, integration, and competitiveness across Southern Africa in alignment with Madagascar's economic cooperation goals.
Tax & Fiscal Incentives
- Corporate Tax: Harmonized 15% rate, with an 8-year tax holiday for companies in targeted tech sectors or those developing intellectual property in medical/pharma sectors. A lower rate of 3% applies to companies engaged in the export of goods.
- Specific Sector Incentives: The Budget 2024–2025 introduced an 80% partial income exemption for companies with a Robotic and AI Enabled Advisory Services license.
- Capital & Assets: 100% tax exemption on gains from the sale of virtual assets and tokens. Accelerated depreciation is available for specific assets like digital and AI-related infrastructure.
- VAT: Exemptions on specific equipment and inputs for strategic sectors.
Premium Investor Certificate (PIC)
- Land Access: For projects exceeding MUR 500 million, the PIC offers a framework for negotiating a custom package of incentives, rebates, exemptions, and guarantees directly with the government, ensuring long-term project viability.
Business & Operational Support
- Premium Investor Certificate (PIC): For projects over MUR 500 million (~$11M USD), the PIC provides a direct negotiation channel with the government for a bespoke package of incentives and guarantees.
One-Stop-Shop Facilitation: The EDB assists with all aspects of company incorporation, licensing, and permitting.
Work & Residence Permits: The EDB facilitates Occupation and Residence Permits for investors, professionals, and their families, with clear pathways linked to investment.
Madagascar Investment News
Indian Apparel Firm Expands $60M Textile Facility in Madagascar
Major Investment in Green Minerals: Madagascar’s $300M Nickel Project
EU Development Fund Allocates €120M to Madagascar’s Agrifood Sector
Eco-Tourism Gets a Boost: $110M Invested in Madagascar Hospitality Sector
Technology Facts & Figures
Technology Sectors in Mauritius
As a leading African fintech hub, there is a strong focus on developing digital payment solutions, regulatory sandboxes for new products, insurtech, and leveraging blockchain for financial services.
A National AI Strategy is in place, with the Mauritius Artificial Intelligence Council (MAIC) driving adoption. Opportunities are actively promoted in AI for public services, finance, healthcare, and agriculture.
Continued investment in international connectivity (SAFE, LION, METISS cables) and the development of carrier-neutral data centres and cloud services to support the digital economy.
Development of digital marketing platforms, smart hotel management systems, data analytics to understand tourist behaviour, and other technologies to enhance the high-end tourism product.
Leveraging technology for the pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing sectors, including electronic health records and telemedicine solutions.
Driving the digital transformation of public services, including the development of a national digital identity system to create a seamless, paperless administrative environment.
Utilizing technology for sustainable fisheries management (vessel monitoring), marine conservation (drones, GIS), and research in marine biotechnology.
Leading Tech hubs in Mauritius
The country's primary technology park, located centrally, which serves as a modern business hub for hundreds of local and international ICT, BPO, and financial services companies. It was the foundational project in establishing Mauritius as a "Cyber Island."
The EDB actively promotes investment into the tech sector through specific incentives, including the Innovator's Occupation Permit, designed to attract tech entrepreneurs and startups to Mauritius.
A key government body that provides grants and support for R&D and innovation across various sectors, including funding for dozens of AI-related projects.
An organization dedicated to fostering a collaborative ecosystem for fintech innovation, connecting startups, corporations, and regulators to drive the future of financial services in Africa.
The government's formal strategy, launched in 2018, and the establishment of the Mauritius Artificial Intelligence Council (MAIC) provide a clear roadmap and regulatory oversight for the ethical and strategic implementation of AI across the economy.
Mauritius offers a Regulatory Sandbox Licence, allowing entrepreneurs to test innovative technologies and business models (especially in fintech) in a controlled environment before full-scale deployment.
Mauritius Technology News
Mauritius Accelerates National AI Strategy with New Research Initiatives
Mauritius FinTech Hub Fosters Startups with Regulatory Sandbox & Investment Support
Ebene Cybercity: The Beating Heart of Mauritius’ Digital Economy
Digital Identity Rollout Boosts E-Government Services in Mauritius
Unlock The Potential Of Mauritius
Mauritius is positioning itself as a dynamic investment destination in the Indian Ocean region, leveraging its strategic location, stable governance, and advanced economic infrastructure. With world-class financial services, a thriving ICT and BPO sector, ongoing investment in logistics and port infrastructure, and a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, the country offers high-potential opportunities in high-end manufacturing, green finance, aquaculture, and the blue economy. Its extensive trade agreements, investor-focused institutions like the Economic Development Board (EDB), and commitment to ease of doing business make Mauritius a compelling choice for international investors and global enterprises.
Contact Us
Economic Development Board (EDB)
10th Floor, One Cathedral Square Building
Port Louis, Mauritius
📞 +230 203 3800
✉️ contact@edbmauritius.org
🌐 www.edbmauritius.org