Mauritius Sets Sights on Indian Tech Giants & AI to Drive 2026 Growth

The Mauritian government has officially designated 2026 as the “Year of the Economy,” pivotally centering its strategy on attracting Indian enterprises, digital finance firms, and artificial intelligence developers.

Speaking at the inauguration of Ocorian’s new headquarters at the Côte d’Or Technopole on 14 January, Junior Finance Minister Dhaneshwar Damry challenged the financial sector to enhance its appeal to global tech players.

The move follows a period of economic stabilisation in 2025, with the state now shifting focus toward inclusive growth and job creation.

Strengthening the Global Business Corridor

Financial services remain the bedrock of the island’s economic ambitions. Current projections suggest a growth rate of approximately 4.5%, bolstered significantly by Global Business activities.

To maintain this momentum, Mr Damry reaffirmed the government’s commitment to international regulatory standards.

• Compliance: Continuous alignment with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards to ensure a secure investment climate.
• Sovereign Rating: Maintaining a strong credit profile remains a priority for Dr Jyoti Jeetun, Minister of Financial Services, to preserve the nation’s competitive edge.

Overcoming Technical Hurdles

Despite the optimistic outlook, the Junior Minister identified a significant technical barrier: the lack of a direct digital link with India.

Currently, data packets must transit through third-party countries, a bottleneck that authorities are keen to address to better serve the Indian market.

“2026 will be the Year of the Economy. Our focus is on growth that is both inclusive and a generator of employment.”

— Dhaneshwar Damry, Junior Minister of Finance

Navigating Global Headwinds

The strategy comes at a time of heightened international volatility. Minister Jyoti Jeetun noted that while 2025 provided a “solid foundation,” the sector must navigate ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade disputes.

The Financial Services Consultative Council will oversee the implementation of the new sectoral strategy, ensuring that Mauritius remains an attractive hub amidst global instability.

Source: Defi Media