At the Heart of the News - Mauritian Economy: The Major Transformation Project
The Mauritian economy is at a pivotal moment. This was the immediate conclusion drawn in the show "At the Heart of the News," dedicated to the economic priorities for 2026 following Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam's New Year address. With slowing growth, an overburdened economic model in certain sectors, geopolitical pressures, and the rise of artificial intelligence, the speakers provided an unflinching diagnosis while outlining pathways for the future.
Right from the start of the program, the question of the end of an economic cycle was raised. Economist Manisha Dookhony stated that the figures speak for themselves. The average growth over the last two decades barely exceeds 4%, indicating a form of stagnation for an economy the size of Mauritius. "While some traditional sectors, like agriculture or export-oriented manufacturing, struggle to renew themselves, no new pillar has truly emerged since the development of the financial sector two decades ago," she explained.
The term "break" that was widely repeated during the electoral campaign and in the January 1st speech was also analyzed. Strategic communication consultant Rabin Bhujun noted that this break cannot be limited to a slogan. "It is measured by the tough decisions the government is willing to take, even at the risk of unpopularity. Reforms in public service, state productivity, debt management, and redirecting investments are all essential projects if Mauritius truly wants to change its trajectory," he indicated.
Artificial Intelligence
Amit Bakhirta, founder and CEO of Anneau, emphasized the chronic inability of the country to transform its potential into concrete economic results. "For years, new sectors have been identified (ocean economy, biopharmaceuticals, renewable energies), without the institutional and regulatory conditions allowing for their takeoff," he pointed out. According to him, the state still struggles to fully play its role as a facilitator, particularly due to administrative burdens and resistance to change.
Artificial intelligence also took center stage in the discussions. While it represents a major opportunity to enhance productivity and reposition certain sectors, it also poses a threat to activities like BPO, which are highly exposed to automation. The speakers stressed the urgent need to invest in training from an early age to prepare the workforce for the digital and technological skills of tomorrow.
From Washington, former financial secretary Ali Mansoor provided a broader perspective, emphasizing the importance of a social pact around growth. According to him, the alternative to an ambitious economic strategy is austerity, the effects of which are already being felt, especially on the middle class. He advocated for collective mobilization involving the state, the private sector, and the population to create new wealth and achieve a growth rate sufficient to sustainably reduce public debt.
Geopolitical issues were also discussed, including the evolution of trade routes, port competition in East Africa, and fluctuations in the dollar. All these external factors reinforce, according to the guests, the necessity for Mauritius to strengthen its infrastructure, diversify its markets, and clarify its strategic vision.
