Tahir Wahab: "Mauritius is no longer in emergency mode but remains in a 'grey zone'"

In an interview reflecting on the economic, social, and political landscape of Mauritius, Tahir Wahab emphasizes that while the country has moved beyond emergency mode post-Covid, it remains in a precarious 'grey zone'. The expert warns that the time for complacency is over, as the population expects tangible actions from those in power.

As Mauritius enters 2025, the economic climate is paradoxical, showing evident rebounds yet revealing persistent vulnerabilities and growing social impatience. Although tourism is recovering, driven by international demand and a weak rupee, other sectors like manufacturing and agriculture face reduced margins and a heavy reliance on imports.

Wahab points out that the government support during the pandemic helped prevent massive job losses and business failures, yet the cost of such support has led to a public deficit and debt reaching 85-90% of GDP. He stresses the need for a shift from a recovery economy to a transformational one focused on productivity, governance, and technology.

He also highlights the importance of attracting foreign direct investments (FDI) by creating a credible and predictable economic environment, while noting that the real challenge lies in building a robust foundation to avoid dependency on emergency measures. Furthermore, he suggests that Mauritius must evolve its tourism model to include more diverse offerings and improve its governance in economic matters.

Finally, he discusses the need for Mauritius to strengthen its ties with the African continent through strategic partnerships and emphasizes the importance of transparency, competition, and the inclusion of local talent to drive economic growth.