Mauritius is a developing country with a GDP per capita of around 10000 USD. It has huge development potentials. Its economic development, improved educational opportunities and development in other aspects has improved the quality of life of its citizens. Mauritius, whose economy is based on agriculture, exports, financial services and tourism, ranked the top African country with the best quality of life by Mercer’s Quality of Life Index in 2023. The country’s improved infrastructure, stable political condition and strong economic growth — along with its strategic location in the Indian Ocean — can contribute to its attractiveness for foreign investment and foster development in many other sectors. Among others, it has significant potential for offshore wind and marine renewables.
But there are economic diversification oriented and other development challenges to Mauritius, a stable and prosperous nation in the Indian Ocean. Addressing income inequality and unemployment (including youth unemployment), diversifying the economy and reducing dependency on traditional economic sectors and addressing declining export competitiveness are some of the crucial development challenges. Additionally, implementing sustainable development practices, improving infrastructure and addressing corruption in government institutions are also key challenges for the country to facilitate its development in economic, social and other sectors. Mauritius is also vulnerable to climate change due to an increasing number of hurricanes. Among others, there are also challenges to addressing the violations of human rights in Mauritius including arbitrary arrest or detention and trafficking in persons, including forced labor.
Positively saying, the government of the Republic of Mauritius has taken development plans-based and other steps to address development challenges. Mauritius has been implementing economic and other plans and policies including the National Development Strategy (which focuses on encouraging economic growth in all its areas) and the 2020–2030 Environment Master Plan (which aims to move towards a more sustainable future) to promote economic diversification, investment in infrastructure development and education and skills training programs and addressing environmental concerns, leading to positive outcomes. Its promotion of international trade has led to rapid growth in the volume of imports and exports. Among others, Mauritius has been fostering innovation and entrepreneurship and strengthening partnerships with international organizations, resulting in technical assistance and funding.
But various limitations to the steps taken by the government of Mauritius, a beacon of economic success in Sub-Saharan Africa, result in limited outcomes. There remain inadequate steps to address the lack of implementation of development goals which is because of the lack of technical capacity, human capital and adequate funding in infrastructure projects and to improve coordination between government agencies and private sector stakeholders. These have been hindering the desirable progress in key sectors such as tourism, agriculture and technology — slowing overall economic growth in the country. Among others, steps are less to address other problems including bureaucratic red tape and corruption that hinder the efficiency of development initiatives in Mauritius.
Addressing the challenges is crucial for Mauritius to achieve sustainable development and improve the well-being of its population. For this, steps are needed to diversify the economy, provide quality education and create a more sustainable and inclusive economy that can effectively address the country’s development challenges and improve the overall well-being of its citizens. Implementing policies to invest in skills training programs and foster innovation and entrepreneurship can be helpful in addressing high youth unemployment. Creating a supportive regulatory environment and improving infrastructure can help overcome many development barriers in Mauritius. It also needs to implement steps to address its environmental challenges, which are on the rise globally.
But strengthening partnerships with international organizations is also vital. Collaborations with international organizations and stakeholders can help leverage resources and expertise to overcome challenges in infrastructure development and other sectors. But it is imperative to address ethnic tensions among its population, which are exacerbated by income and wealth inequality. Mauritius also needs to address arbitrary arrest or detention and trafficking in persons, including forced labor. Providing media freedom is also vital in Mauritius.
