Mauritius

Republic of Mauritius

English, French, Creole Mauritian Rupee (MUR) Mixed: French civil law, English common law
AU, SADC, COMESA, AfCFTA, Commonwealth, WTO
Mauritius is Africa's highest-income economy by GDP per capita and consistently ranked the continent's most business-friendly destination. The country has successfully diversified from a sugar-dependent economy to a services-driven hub encompassing financial services, tourism, ICT/BPO, manufacturing, and the freeport.

The Mauritius International Financial Centre is a leading offshore jurisdiction, particularly for investments into India and Africa, leveraging an extensive network of double taxation agreements. The Stock Exchange of Mauritius (SEM) is well-regulated and attracts international listings.

Mauritius ranks 1st in Africa on the Mo Ibrahim Governance Index, the Heritage Foundation Economic Freedom Index, and the Doing Business rankings. The Economic Development Board (EDB) provides one-stop facilitation for investors. The country offers premium business visas and occupation permits for professionals, entrepreneurs, and retirees. Challenges include a small domestic market and vulnerability to climate change.

Snapshot

Population~1.3 MWorld Bank WDI
GDP (current USD)$15.7 BIMF WEO
GDP per Capita$11,200IMF WEO
GDP Growth4.20%IMF WEO
Inflation (y/y)~4.90%Central Bank / IMF
Policy Rate (Key repo rate (Bank of Mauritius))4.50%Central Bank
Internet Use~72.00%World Bank WDI
Electrification~100.00%World Bank WDI
CPI Score (Rank)50.0/100 (#55)Transparency Intl
HDI (Rank)0.796 (#72)UNDP HDR
Credit RatingBaa3 (Moody's)S&P / Moody's / Fitch
MarketStock Exchange of Mauritius (SEM)

Focus Sectors

Financial Services & Offshore Banking
Tourism
Textiles
ICT & BPO
Sugar
Seafood
Manufacturing
Real Estate
Freeport
Renewable Energy

Regulations & Taxes

Corporate Income Tax15% flat rate (3% for GBC holders on foreign income)
VAT / Sales Tax15% standard

Resources

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Data Notes: Population, GDP, and GDP per capita are latest IMF WEO / World Bank estimates. Inflation is year-over-year. Trade data from UN Comtrade/OEC (2023). Tax rates from PwC/KPMG country guides. CPI from Transparency International. HDI from UNDP Human Development Report.
Narrative last updated: April 8, 2026.