On Monday, 23rd August, the Economic Development Board (EDB), in partnership with Business France, hosted a seminar entitled “Sustainable Cities,” aimed at fostering discussions on investment opportunities in Mauritius. This event welcomed a delegation of business leaders from Réunion and Mayotte, keen to explore opportunities and potential partnerships.
The seminar served as a platform for the delegates to engage with their Mauritian counterparts, facilitating the exchange of ideas and discuss potential partnership that could strengthen economic and commercial relationships among the Indian Ocean islands. The participants from Réunion and Mayotte are involved in various sectors including waste management, lighting solutions manufacturing, construction materials, energy efficiency, construction, industrial refrigeration, digital marketing services, and water treatment.
In his opening remarks, the Deputy CEO of EDB, Mr. Sachin Mohabeer stressed upon the importance of sustainable development and the need to be in harmony with nature within the context of climate change. The Deputy CEO also spoke about the ongoing development of smart cities in Mauritius, emphasizing the necessity of well-planned integrated development in compliance with regulatory frameworks. He stated the obligation of the smart cities to allocate a minimum of 4% of their total area for green spaces while establishing innovation hubs to foster business growth.
The EDB team presented an overview of the macroeconomic landscape and prospects for Mauritius, along with updates on smart city projects. Currently, 17 projects are underway, with an estimated value of $4 billion over the next decade. The presentation underscored the opportunities Mauritius presents for sustainable development, positioning the nation as a prime investment destination.
Ms. Laetitia Habchi, Director of the “Agence Française de Développement” (AFD) in Mauritius, emphasized her agency’s collaborative initiatives with local stakeholders, outlining various available support programs. This was followed by a roundtable discussion featuring representatives from prominent local companies, such as the Currimjee Group, ENL Smart City, and Green Yellow, who shared insights into their sustainable development initiatives.
The seminar highlighted the transformative potential of urban sustainability as a driver for job creation, affordable housing, and community resilience. It advocated for strategic investments in public transport, the creation of green spaces, and inclusive urban management practices.
Participants gained valuable insights into the benefits of smart cities, which harness innovative technologies to enhance residents’ quality of life, optimize resource use, and promote sustainability. The collaboration among economic actors from Réunion, Mayotte, and Mauritius paves the way for new joint ventures, reinforcing a commitment to developing sustainable urban solutions and facilitating knowledge exchange across the regions.
