|
Let’ s get down to brass tacks and talk numbers. The kind that paint a picture of progress. Governance and transparency are critical factors in a country’ s ability to attract investment. Mauritius has, in the recent past, shown its commitment to establishing better governance, climbing to a respectable 56 th in the 2024 Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index, an improvement from the 57 th position in 2022. This upward trend hasn’ t gone unnoticed. That $ 240 million boost from the African Development Bank offered to Mauritius in 2024? Or the keen interest shown by Malaysian, Singapore, and Thai investors and entrepreneurs last year eyeing opportunities manufacturing, horticulture, and ICT? Those aren’ t mere coincidences. They’ re strategic investments, deliberate moves in the island’ s future, solidifying Mauritius’ s position as a nation that truly means business.
When it comes to tourism, the island’ s timeless allure remains undeniable. But lately, it’ s been much more of a sun-kissed success story. Over a million visitors flocked to the island by mid-October 2024, nearly matching pre-pandemic levels. For every two people you spot on the island today, one’ s most definitely a tourist proudly dropping their first“ Korek!” like a local. And Mauritius isn’ t resting on its laurels at all. The challenge? Innovating while preserving Mauritius’ pristine beaches, coral reefs, and lush flamboyants. And we’ re certainly going green, aiming for“ Green Destination” status by 2030. If you’ re picturing lush eco-resorts, vibrant marine conservation efforts, and a commitment to responsible travel, then you’ re on the right track. Think Singapore’ s iconic Gardens by the Bay, a testament to urban harmony with nature, and you’ ll get a sense of Mauritius’ s green ambitions for the future.
|
This vision of sustainable tourism isn’ t just a dream; it’ s being actively realised by businesses across the island. To acknowledge and encourage these efforts, the Sustainable Tourism Mauritius Awards by PricewaterhouseCoopers celebrate those who are making this vision a reality, honouring companies like Velogic in Transport and Logistics and Sunlife Hotel Management in Hospitality and Tourism for their significant strides in sustainability. These awards shine a light on the pioneering companies and individuals who are embedding sustainability into their core operations, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility and innovation. They serve as a powerful reminder that progress and preservation can in fact, and do, go hand in hand; a symbol of the island’ s dedication to responsible growth, proving that sustainability isn’ t just good for the planet … It’ s damn good for business!
And it turns out, unlike the dodo, Mauritius is proving evolution is alive and well, especially in the burgeoning startup scene. The local tech landscape is electric, transforming the island into somewhat of an innovation hotspot within the continent. According to Startup Blink’ s 2024 Global Index, Mauritius ranks 2nd in Africa and 59 th globally, fueled by robust infrastructure and creative initiatives. The island is now a thriving hub for tech startups, especially in fintech, cybersecurity, and e-commerce, with over 100 ventures leveraging AI, blockchain, and other technologies.
|
The Metro Express, a sleek symbol of progress, is transforming how people move, taking cues from world-class systems like Singapore’ s MRT. Think of it as Mauritius building its own version of smooth, efficient travel. But good transportation is just the start. To really get things moving, Mauritius is focusing on digital upgrades and cutting through red tape, making it easier for businesses to thrive. This sets the stage for exciting growth in areas like fintech, AI, and renewable energy, all part of Mauritius’ s plan to future-proof our growth with smart ideas. Future-proofing may be an illusion, might you add. After all, we’ re strategising for long-term resilience while an asteroid hurtling toward Earth in 2032 is a real topic of discussion nowadays … so, planning ahead seems like a wise move, even for the most unexpected scenarios.
From its growing startups to its green tourism, the island’ s economic plans reach well beyond its shores. They’ re the considered and calculated steps of a nation ready to show what a modern island economy can be. And if there’ s one thing Mauritians know how to do, besides debating on who’ s got the best rotis on the island, it’ s finding a way forward.
|
Aparté |
33 |