Introduction
Located in the Indian Ocean roughly 2,000 km off the southeast coast of Africa, Mauritius occupies a strategic crossroads between Asia, Europe and Africa — making it an attractive destination for companies looking to extend their global reach. Known as the “Star and Key of the Indian Ocean,” the country is widely recognised for its stable institutions, welcoming business environment, and strong connectivity to key markets. In this blog, we explore what makes Mauritius a market worth considering for global expansion.
Mauritius at a Glance
Mauritius’ extensive trade network highlights its global orientation. The country has established multiple preferential trade arrangements and was the first African country to sign a Free Trade Agreement with China in 2019, strengthening its access to important goods and services markets and reinforcing its appeal as a hub for regional growth.
The nation’s economic performance reflects this momentum. According to Statistics Mauritius, its GDP reached MUR 693.3 billion in 2024, with forecasts projecting growth to MUR 741.9 billion, signalling ongoing resilience and economic expansion. At the same time, the island’s reputation for safety and political stability continues to bolster investor confidence, helping position Mauritius as a compelling base for businesses aiming to grow in Africa and beyond.
Key Industries Driving Mauritius’ Economy
Source: mohammadhridoy_11 on Freepik
Tourism
Tourism remains a central pillar of the Mauritian economy. In 2023, the sector contributed around 9% of GDP, welcoming approximately 1.3 million visitors and generating MUR 86 billion in revenue.
The government has set an ambitious target of 2 million tourist arrivals by 2030, reflecting ongoing investments in hospitality, infrastructure, and sustainable destination development.
Blue Economy
Mauritius boasts an extensive Exclusive Economic Zone covering 2.3 million square kilometres. The blue economy — encompassing coastal tourism, fisheries, seafood processing, and port operations — currently contributes around 10% of GDP and employs approximately 10,000 people.
The government aims to expand this sector to 20% of GDP, focusing on sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, marine biotechnology, and other ocean-based industries to drive long-term growth.
Financial Services
The Mauritius International Financial Centre (IFC) is recognised as a well-regulated and transparent platform facilitating cross-border investment, banking, fund administration, and other financial services. The sector contributes 13.3% to GDP and offers a wide range of global financial products supported by an innovative legal framework and favourable business environment. The country’s improving position in the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI 37) highlights the competitiveness and resilience of its financial services ecosystem.
These sectors, coupled with political stability and global market access, make Mauritius an attractive base for companies planning African expansion or regional operations.
Why Mauritius Is a Strategic Launchpad into Africa
Mauritius combines political stability, regulatory transparency, and global connectivity, making it a practical entry point for companies expanding into Africa. Key advantages include:
- Low-risk market entry: Mauritius consistently ranks among Africa’s safest and most stable markets, offering a predictable environment for long-term investment.
- Regional headquarters hub: The Global Headquarters Administration (GHA) licence supports Pan-African operations through access to tax incentives and streamlined work and residence permits for expatriate talent.
- Strong global trade access: Strategically located between Asia, Europe, and Africa, Mauritius benefits from multiple Free Trade Agreements that facilitate cross-border trade and regional expansion.
Mauritius also offers a broad suite of incentives designed to attract international investors, stimulate innovation, and facilitate cross-border business growth:
| Incentive Scheme |
Key Features |
| Property Development Scheme (PDS) |
Allows foreign and local investors to purchase high-end residential properties; qualifying purchases can grant residence permits. |
| Invest Hotel Scheme |
Supports investment in hotel projects through sale of villas/suites; encourages capital inflows into hospitality. |
| Premium Investor Certificate |
Supports large or high-impact investments in priority sectors; offers tailored incentives and facilitation. |
| Global Headquarters Administration (GHA) License |
Allows multinational companies to establish regional HQs; access to Mauritius’s DTAA network; potential for up to 8 years corporate tax exemption (conditions apply); facilitates efficient processing of expatriate work/residence permits. |
These incentives position Mauritius as a strategic, investor-friendly destination for companies aiming to expand across Africa while maintaining operational efficiency and compliance.
Mauritius Labour and Employment Overview
Source: armmypicca on Freepik
Beyond its strategic location, Mauritius stands out for its modern and well-regulated labour framework. The Workers’ Rights Act 2019, which replaced the previous Employment Rights Act to provide a more comprehensive framework, has strengthened workforce protections while maintaining business flexibility, including:
- Expanded maternity and paternity leave entitlements
- Statutory right to disconnect outside normal working hours
- Recognition of atypical work arrangements
- Establishment of a Portable Retirement Gratuity Fund (PRGF) to support continuity of retirement benefits across employers
Coupled with gradual increases in minimum wage over the years, these reforms contribute to a stable, skilled, and well-protected workforce — a vital consideration for companies planning long-term operations in Africa.
Other key considerations include the employers’ understanding and ability to navigate statutory contributions, which sits within the wider labour compliance framework.
- Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) Training Levy: 1.5% of total basic wage of employees (excluding household workers)
- National Savings Fund (NSF) 2.5% of basic salary, subject to salary cap
- Contribution Sociale Généralisée (CSG): 3% of basic salary for employees earning up to MUR 50,000 per month; 6% for those earning above this threshold
- Portable Retirement Gratuity Fund (PRGF): 4.5% of monthly remuneration, generally applicable to private sector employees and self-employed individuals, with specific exclusions
For international businesses, this complexity highlights the value of working with partners who have strong local regulatory expertise.
Expand into Mauritius Seamlessly with BIPO
Partnering with a reliable Employer of Record (EOR) like BIPO allows companies to overcome these complexities. With BIPO as your local partner, you can:
- Hire in Mauritius quickly and compliantly without setting up a local entity
- Manage payroll, statutory contributions, and HR obligations efficiently
- Tap into Mauritius’ skilled talent pool and benefit from its investor-friendly policies and robust economy
- Focus on strategic growth rather than administrative burdens
BIPO’s local expertise ensures that companies can leverage Mauritius as a launchpad for Pan-African operations with minimal risk, enabling faster time-to-market and seamless workforce management.
Conclusion
Mauritius presents a compelling combination of strategic location, economic resilience, and a well-regulated labour environment, making it an attractive gateway for companies looking to expand into Africa. By leveraging local expertise through an EOR partner like BIPO, businesses can access the country’s opportunities efficiently, navigate regulatory complexities with confidence, and focus on long-term growth across the region.
Reach out to us today to explore how BIPO can support your expansion into Mauritius.
