Mauritius Eyes Growth: EU Doubles Trade, Boosts Africa Strategy

The European Union sees Mauritius as a strategic gateway to Africa. Recently, the Economic Development Board (EDB) held a meeting with Oskar Benedikt, the EU ambassador to Mauritius, following a discussion between EDB CEO Mahen Kundasamy and the ambassador. The meeting focused on economic cooperation and regional integration.

In a global context of fragmented trade and shifting supply chains, the EU considers Mauritius an ideal platform for European companies looking to diversify.

The country’s political stability, strong legal system, modern infrastructure, and extensive trade agreements—especially with Africa—make it attractive.

Ambassador Benedikt highlighted that Mauritius can play a key role in Europe’s African strategy.

He sees the island as a reliable, competitive base for regional offices and logistics hubs.

Its preferential access to important markets and good connectivity with Africa are seen as major strategic advantages.

During the meeting, Kundasamy reaffirmed Mauritius’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Brussels.

He emphasized the EDB’s efforts to remove investment barriers, provide targeted incentives, and help European businesses integrate into the Mauritian economy.

The focus is on sectors with high added value, such as precision engineering, medical device manufacturing, jewelry, and eyewear.

Mauritius also aims to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by positioning itself as an export hub to Africa.

This strategy is supported by several investment promotion and protection agreements (APPI) with African countries.

The EU ambassador noted that the EU remains Mauritius’s top trading partner. Since the Africa-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) came into force, bilateral trade has almost doubled, showing positive momentum.

He also praised EU technical support, such as the National Electronic Licensing System (NELS), which simplifies administrative procedures for businesses.

The meeting concluded with a shared strategic vision. Mauritius reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism, transparency, stability, and respect for international law.

The EDB hopes the EU will continue supporting Mauritius’s development goals through targeted meetings between European investors and local stakeholders.

Source: l’Express