The Economic Development Board (EDB) of Mauritius welcomed Mr. Bleming Nekati, Head of Private Sector Operations for Southern Africa at the African Development Bank (AfDB), and Mrs. Nontle Kabanyane, Country Programme Officer, during an official visit held on 31 July 2025. This high-level engagement signals a renewed commitment by the AfDB to enhance its collaboration with Mauritius, particularly in advancing Africa-focused investment strategies.
Mr. Nekati underlined the AfDB’s interest in working closely with local stakeholders to better understand the needs and ambitions of the local private sector. He emphasized the Bank’s readiness to support Mauritian enterprises seeking to expand their footprint across the continent, particularly through direct financing, technical assistance, and regional partnerships.
“We are in Mauritius to gain a deeper insight into the strategic priorities of its private sector. The African Development Bank remains committed to supporting projects aligned with our “High 5” priorities, targeting critical sectors for transformative growth: Light-up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa,” said Mr. Bleming Nekati. “We also look forward to engaging directly with promoters of bankable projects who are seeking financing to scale their initiatives across Africa, while collaboratively leveraging the Bank’s strengths in delivering impactful and sustainable investments.”
Mauritius has long positioned itself as a trusted and neutral gateway to Africa, with robust legal, financial, and institutional frameworks. The EDB reaffirmed its dedication to deepening regional economic integration, leveraging its strong connections and bilateral agreements across African markets to support the internationalisation of Mauritian businesses.
In this regard, the AfDB stands as a key strategic partner in empowering local enterprises to explore new frontiers, by unlocking access to blended finance, de-risking mechanisms, and co-investment opportunities. Focus sectors include green energy solutions, agro-industrial development, healthcare infrastructure, and skills development, in line with the AfDB’s continental priorities.
“We would like to establish a close collaboration with the African Development Bank in key development areas where Mauritius need investment and finance,” stated Mr. Mahen Kundasamy, the Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Development Board of Mauritius. “This partnership aligns fully with the five strategic pillars of the Bank and complements our ambition to position Mauritius as a launchpad for sustainable and inclusive investment into Africa.”
The visit sets the tone for a new chapter of collaboration between EDB Mauritius and the AfDB, with the shared goal of accelerating development, driving regional integration, and building a prosperous, connected Africa.
