3.1% Growth in 2025: Economic Performance Considered Insufficient by Economists
As 2025 comes to a close, the latest figures confirm moderate growth. However, economists continue to highlight the gap between national performance and the daily reality faced by households.
The latest projections from Statistics Mauritius estimate the growth of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at market prices to be 3.1% in 2025. This rate is below the 4.9% growth recorded in 2024, but it confirms the continuation of a moderate economic dynamic. The Gross Value Added (GVA) at basic prices is also expected to increase by 3.1%. Excluding the sugar sector, the growth rate would reach 3.2%.
Several sectors are expected to support this performance. Financial and insurance activities would contribute 0.6 percentage points, while wholesale and retail trade, vehicle repairs, agriculture, forestry, and fishing would each add 0.4 points. Transport and storage would complete the list with 0.3 points.
In nominal terms, the GVA at basic prices is expected to reach Rs 636.2 billion, compared to Rs 599 billion in 2024, representing a 6.2% increase. In real terms, the expected growth remains at 3.1%, down from 4.7% last year. Meanwhile, taxes on products—net of subsidies—provided by the Ministry of Finance are expected to increase by 12.1%, reaching approximately Rs 105.7 billion.
Thus, the GDP at current prices would reach Rs 741.9 billion, up by 7%. After neutralizing the estimated price effect of 3.7%, real growth would stabilize at 3.1%. As for GDP per capita, it would nominally increase by 7.2% to reach Rs 596,496, with a real increase of 3.3%.
However, the current situation weighs heavily on households. "Today, households have less money while prices have increased significantly," says economist Sudesh Lallchand, who believes that the sentiment among the population reflects the economic performance of the country. He notes that many Mauritians express their dissatisfaction in the media, on the streets, and on social networks. "The majority, around 75%, belong to the middle class. These are employees who spend a large part of their income on consumption and debt repayment," he emphasizes.
Sudesh Lallchand acknowledges that the economy has progressed compared to the previous administration but notes that the current situation is more burdensome for households. "The previous government borrowed but provided allowances. Today, households have less money, and prices have risen more. Price control is essential, and the Minister of Commerce has disappointed in this regard," he points out.
Economist Sanjay Matadeen highlights promising sectors that could strengthen growth. He first mentions biotechnology, with the establishment of the Mauritius Institute of Biotechnology. "This sector can contribute to growth, but we need to accelerate infrastructure development and encourage the import of talent to train Mauritians," he explains.
He also believes that initiatives taken in higher education, in collaboration with renowned universities, can position Mauritius as a leading African platform. Matadeen highlights the potential of medical tourism, noting that new clinics are emerging, but a legal framework and regulator are necessary to bridge the gap between public and private services. Finally, he advocates for increased development in the renewable energy sector.
In summary, while the figures indicate progress, the outlook is tied to the country's ability to support purchasing power and diversify its growth engines.