Mauritius Unveils 25 Year Vision To Transform Into A Leading Global Economy

The Mauritian government has launched a landmark national consultation for “Vision 2050,” an ambitious 25-year roadmap designed to transform the island nation into an advanced economy while shielding future generations from global instability.

Speaking at the University of Mauritius yesterday, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam and Economic Planning Minister Jyoti Jeetun outlined a strategic pivot away from low-wage models toward a high-value economy.

The plan focuses on a “generation-long” horizon, targeting the year 2050 to ensure that children entering primary school today inherit a stable and prosperous nation.

Navigating a ‘Polycrisis’

Prime Minister Ramgoolam framed the necessity of the long-term plan against a backdrop of global “polycrisis,” citing geopolitical conflicts, economic fractures, and the climate emergency.

“We cannot simply endure the storms,” the Prime Minister stated. “We must learn to use the winds of change.”

He identified several “imperative” sectors for the nation’s future, including:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital services
• Fintech and medical sciences
• The blue economy and renewable energy

The Prime Minister emphasized that AI is already transforming labour and healthcare, necessitating a complete overhaul of the national education and vocational training systems to create “durable jobs” resistant to technological upheaval.

Reversing the ‘Instant’ Culture

Minister Jyoti Jeetun issued a candid critique of recent governance, suggesting that Mauritius has suffered from “sacrificing the long term for immediate political calculations.”

She noted that this “living as if there were no tomorrow” has resulted in weakened institutions, rising debt, and a disillusioned youth.

“Vision 2050 aims to respond to this silent anxiety,” Jeetun said, noting that many young talents currently look abroad due to a lack of clear national direction.

She pointed to the success of Singapore, South Korea, Rwanda, and Malaysia as evidence that nations must “dare to think big” to change their trajectories.

Social Justice and Survival

The strategy extends beyond mere balance sheets. Both leaders stressed that social justice and the reduction of wealth gaps are central to the vision, asserting that growth which increases inequality is inherently fragile. The plan guarantees:

• Access to housing and healthcare
• Food security and robust social safety nets
• The rehabilitation of independent, transparent state institutions

Environmental protection was also categorised as a “matter of survival” rather than a luxury. The roadmap includes specific provisions for protecting lagoons, marine ecosystems, and accelerating the energy transition to bolster climate resilience.

A Co-Constructed Future

In a move toward participatory governance, the government announced that Vision 2050 will be “co-constructed” with the public.

Starting in January, consultations will take place across all districts, involving the private sector, civil society, and the Mauritian diaspora via a digital platform.

A preliminary draft of the strategy is expected by mid-2025.

While the vision marks a significant shift toward long-term thinking, the ultimate challenge remains whether the administration can maintain its constancy against the immediate pressures of the present.

Source: l’Express