Dr. Jyoti Jeetun Sees Regional Expansion as a Growth Driver for Banks
A one-day conference titled "From Competitiveness to Sustainability: The Banking Imperative" took place on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the Caudan Arts Centre. Approximately 275 banking professionals attended this event organized by the Mauritius Bankers Association Ltd (MBA).
The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of the Minister of Financial Services and Economic Planning, Dr. Jyoti Jeetun, as the guest of honor, alongside the Minister of State for Finance, Dhaneshwar Damry, the Governor of the Bank of Mauritius (BoM), Dr. Priscilla Muthoora Thakoor, the President of MBA Ltd, Abrar Anwar, the CEO of MBA Ltd, Daniel Essoo, and other dignitaries.
The conference covered key themes such as growth opportunities, competitiveness, strategic positioning, digitization, the future of digital banking, sustainable finance, and the sector's ability to meet evolving market and regulatory challenges. Three roundtables featuring experts from the banking and financial sectors provided practical insights into these topics. The conference served as a high-level platform to discuss the sector's transition towards a sustainable, resilient financial ecosystem ready for the future.
In her keynote address, Dr. Jyoti Jeetun reminded attendees that the Mauritian banking sector consists of 19 banks and contributes approximately 6.5% to the GDP. She emphasized the sector's key role in generating tax revenues and promoting financial inclusion. She described it as a well-regulated, resilient, and innovative sector that is an essential pillar of the economy.
According to the Minister, demographic changes, digital transformation, and global uncertainties will shape the future of the banking sector. In this regard, she highlighted the need for agility and innovation, finding a prudent balance between compliance and risk-taking. She also emphasized the opportunities presented by regional expansion, sustainable finance, and climate financing. She stressed that the insights gained from the conference should inform the ongoing Vision 2050 initiative to support long-term economic and financial planning.
For his part, Dhaneshwar Damry outlined the key points of Mauritius's targeted growth for 2026, focusing on job creation, inclusive development, and economic transformation. He highlighted that digital finance, AI, and climate financing are key drivers of economic growth and urged the sector to leverage regional and African opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and challenge the status quo.
Dr. Priscilla Muthoora Thakoor underscored the central role of the central bank in establishing a stable, resilient, and innovative financial ecosystem, emphasizing digital banking, cybersecurity, and operational efficiency. She also discussed the importance of sustainable finance, particularly the integration of climate risks and green investments, for long-term growth and maintaining Mauritius's reputation as a trusted international financial center.
The president of MBA, Abrar Anwar, highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement to address current challenges and seize future opportunities. He emphasized the sector's potential to support economic growth, drive digital transformation, promote sustainable finance, and strengthen Mauritius's position as a regional and international financial center.