EDB Board Approves Key Measures to Accelerate Investment, Exports and Economic Transformation

The Board of the Economic Development Board (EDB), at its meetings held on 25 and 31 July 2026, approved a series of strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating investment, boosting exports, enhancing business facilitation and supporting economic transformation. The decisions reinforce the EDB’s commitment to delivering the measures of the National Budget 2026-2027 and positioning Mauritius as a competitive, future-ready economy.

1. Driving investment and export through a Focused Action Plan

The Board approved the EDB Action Plan for FY 2026/2027, aligned with the national theme “Building a Future-Ready Mauritius.” The plan consolidates over 200 actions into 28 priority initiatives designed to strengthen Mauritius’ attractiveness as an investment destination, enhance export competitiveness and improve economic resilience.

The EDB will work towards four key national targets during FY 2026/2027:

• Attracting Rs 38-40 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI);
• Mobilising Rs 125 billion in private sector investment;
• Supporting exports of goods and services to exceed Rs 495 billion; and
• Positioning Mauritius among the Top 10 economies in the inaugural World Bank B-READY Report.

Priority interventions will focus on improving the business environment, accelerating digitalisation, strengthening ESG practices and enhancing investor confidence through greater regulatory certainty.

2. Unlocking Opportunities in Emerging and Strategic Sectors

The Action Plan places particular emphasis on high-potential sectors, including:

• Financial Services and Wealth Management;
• Blue Economy;
• Food Security and Agri-Business;
• Life Sciences and Healthcare;
• Innovation and Digital Economy;
• High-tech manufacturing.

These sectors will be supported through targeted policy reforms, investment promotion campaigns and strategic partnerships.

3. Strengthening International Outreach and the Mauritius Brand

The Board endorsed a strengthened programme of international engagement to attract investment, promote exports and deepen business linkages.

Key initiatives include participation in the organisation of the US-Africa Business Summit (December 2026), preparations for the EU-Africa Summit 2027, the Art Investment Conference, and a series of targeted inward missions in the financial services, education, ICT, healthcare and blue economy sectors.

The EDB will also launch its E-Diaspora Platform, with the objective of connecting at least 3,000 Mauritian professionals abroad to investment, mentoring and business opportunities in Mauritius.

4. Advancing Business Facilitation and Regulatory Reforms

The Board took note of reforms introduced under the Finance Act 2026 and the Economic and Financial Measures Act 2026, including measures relating to taxation, investment facilitation, clinical trials, student employment permits, FinTech governance and the new AI City Scheme.

The AI City Scheme is expected to position Mauritius as an attractive destination for technology entrepreneurs, AI innovators and strategic investors in digital industries and advanced technologies.

The Board also reviewed progress on the forthcoming Business Facilitation Bill, which will introduce the Silent Agreement Principle and streamline business processes. The EDB is currently conducting a comprehensive review of permits and licences to identify administrative bottlenecks and improve regulatory efficiency.

5. Supporting Investment in Healthcare Infrastructure

The Board approved two investment projects in the nursing and residential care sector, contributing to the expansion of healthcare and elderly care facilities in Mauritius and supporting the country’s objective of becoming a regional healthcare hub.

6. Promoting the Creative Economy

The Board approved three projects under the Film Rebate Scheme, further supporting the development of the audiovisual and creative industries. The approved projects are If I Can Fly, Another Name for Love and Guddan Gupta Tumse.
These projects are expected to generate economic activity, create employment opportunities and enhance Mauritius’ visibility as a film production destination.

7. Expanding Regional Trade and Business Partnerships

The Board approved two strategic international promotional initiatives:

• A multisectoral business mission to Ethiopia, Tanzania and Kenya from 21 to 25 September 2026, focusing on education, ICT and financial services; and
• A SheTrades Hub-to-Hub Collaboration Programme with Madagascar from 18 to 21 August 2026 aimed at supporting women-led enterprises and strengthening regional economic cooperation.

8. Accelerating Project Delivery

The Board reviewed 20 projects: five projects worth MUR 13.7 billion have been resolved over the last two months, while 15 projects worth MUR 15.9 billion are being facilitated by the EDB for secondary permits and licences. The EDB will continue working with ministries, public agencies and private stakeholders to accelerate project delivery.

The EDB remains committed to working closely with public and private sector stakeholders to accelerate project implementation and unlock investment opportunities.

9. Enhancing Talent Attraction through Occupation Permit Reforms

The Board also noted significant reforms to the Occupation Permit framework and the continued adoption of the National Electronic Licensing System (NELS).

Occupation Permit applications increased from 3,710 in 2018 to 10,550 in 2025, reflecting growing international interest in Mauritius as a destination for investment, work and residence.

The reforms simplify permit categories, strengthen eligibility criteria and introduce a new Technical Occupation Permit to support strategic workforce requirements.

Updated guidelines will be published on the EDB website.

10. A Stronger Platform for Sustainable Growth

The Board emphasised that the successful implementation of these initiatives will play a critical role in accelerating investment, creating high-value jobs, expanding export opportunities and enhancing Mauritius’ competitiveness. Through a stronger focus on business facilitation, strategic sectors, innovation and international outreach, the EDB aims to contribute meaningfully to sustainable economic growth and support the country’s transition towards a more resilient, inclusive and future-ready economy.

Economic Development Board
6 August 2026