Mauritius Sees Business Startups Plunge By 83% after Record 2024 Peak

The Mauritian entrepreneurial landscape has faced a sharp contraction, with new business incorporations collapsing by approximately 83.2% over the past year.

Official data reveals that only 2,085 companies were registered in 2025, a stark reversal from the record-breaking momentum witnessed throughout 2024.

The downturn was punctuated by a particularly quiet final quarter, which saw just 605 new incorporations.

From Peak to Pause

This “sudden braking” follows a historic high for the island nation. In 2024, Mauritius experienced a surge in entrepreneurial spirit, reaching a five-year peak in the third quarter with 3,846 businesses created.

However, that dynamism evaporated in 2025, as the pace of new registrations significantly slowed across the board.

Digital Dominance

Despite the dwindling numbers, the method of starting a business remains consistent. Online incorporation continues to be, by a wide margin, the preferred route for entrepreneurs in Mauritius.

Key Figures at a Glance

• 2025 Total Incorporations: 2,085
• Year-on-Year Decrease: 83.2%
• 2024 Q3 Peak: 3,846 (5-year record)
• 2025 Q4 Low: 605

Evolution of Incorporated Businesses in Mauritius Over the Last 5 Years

Key Takeaways from the Data

• Significant Market Shift: Business incorporations saw a major drop of approximately 83.2% in 2025, falling from 12,419 registrations in 2024 to 2,085.
• Total Market Size: By the end of December 2025, Mauritius recorded a cumulative total of 119,055 registered businesses across all categories.
• Record High: The 3rd Quarter of 2024 remains the five-year peak with 3,846 new businesses incorporated.
• Method Preference: Online registration remained the dominant choice for entrepreneurs throughout the period, despite the overall volume decrease.

Media Source: Defi Media