[Council of Ministers] Port, PRB 2026, and Kreol Morisien: Key Takeaways
On Friday, January 23, 2026, under the presidency of Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, the Council of Ministers convened and made several significant decisions regarding public governance, economic development, social issues, and institutional reforms. Key topics included the modernization of the port, restructuring the industrial framework, advancements in education, and digital transition.
In the judicial domain, the Cabinet acknowledged the Supreme Court's ruling affirming the legality of the Local Government Service Commission's decision to terminate the employment of workers in the Workmen’s Class within the Vacoas-Phoenix municipal council. The request for a judicial review was dismissed, with the court siding with the Commission regarding the legally invalid nature of the appointments in question.
Port and Industry: Focus on Modernization
The urgency of modernizing the port was a central theme of discussions in an inter-ministerial committee chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister. These discussions focused on governance, equipment acquisition, workforce training, and implementing the Island Container Terminal Project, aimed at increasing container processing capacity. The development of a new fishing port at Fort William, for which land has already been identified, was also mentioned.
In a similar vein, the Cabinet approved the drafting of an Industry Bill to provide the country with a modern legislative framework aimed at revitalizing the industrial base and repositioning Mauritius as a competitive manufacturing and export platform. This project aims to prioritize industrialization as a national priority, focusing on high-potential sectors such as green industries, pharmaceuticals, precision engineering, and bio-industries, while incorporating performance and sustainability metrics.
PRB 2026: Special Cabinet Meeting on Monday
Additionally, the Council of Ministers noted the upcoming special meeting scheduled for Monday, January 26, which will focus on finalizing recommendations regarding the implementation of the Pay Research Bureau Report 2026. This meeting is expected to establish the modalities for applying salary measures and adjustments to service conditions in the public sector, a matter particularly anticipated by unions and state employees.
Education, Social Issues, and Public Services
Starting from the academic year 2026, Kreol Morisien will be offered as a core subject in the Higher School Certificate. The Minister of Education is set to meet with the Creole Speaking Union to finalize implementation details. Moreover, a special committee will be established to review the mechanisms for caring for children with severe behavioral issues, aiming to adapt existing institutional and legislative frameworks.
Regarding public services, amendments to the Central Water Authority regulations will now limit the exemption from water bill payments to households registered in the Social Register of Mauritius, consuming no more than six cubic meters per month, amidst financial difficulties faced by the organization.
Data, Energy, and Taxation
The government has approved the implementation of a National Data Strategy (2025-2029) aimed at guiding data management, sharing, and protection while fostering their use for growth and public policy enhancement. This strategy relies on normative frameworks covering governance, data sharing, and the preservation of personal data, in compliance with the Data Protection Act 2017.
In the energy sector, the Central Electricity Board has launched a new renewable energy scheme for large commercial consumers, incorporating battery storage systems and time-based pricing. The goal is to better manage peak demand and enhance the share of solar photovoltaics in the energy mix.
On the fiscal and financial front, the Cabinet approved amendments to double taxation agreements, notably with Jersey, and agreed to sign a similar convention with Curaçao. These measures aim to enhance transparency, combat tax evasion, and provide greater legal security to investors, amidst an international context marked by strengthened OECD BEPS standards.
Agriculture, Health, and International Presence
The Agriculture Summit, scheduled for January 27 and 28 under the theme “SMART agriculture for a resilient Mauritius,” will serve as a platform to promote food sovereignty, innovation, and climate change adaptation. The Council also noted activities planned for World Cancer Day 2026, including the launch of a national registry and targeted screening campaigns.
Finally, on the international front, Mauritius will host an official mission from Seychelles to share its experience in electric public transport and maritime safety, reinforcing the country’s regional positioning as a laboratory for innovative public policies.