With a third of African countries growing at more than 6% annually, the continent is now home to many of the world’s fastest-growing economies, propelled by a growing middle-class, enhanced business environments and increasingly stable political democracies. Consequently, investors are attracted to the region’s high growth rates and to the tremendous opportunities offered by the nascent shift from commodities and agrarian-based economies to more consumer-driven economies.

THE MAURITIUS PORTAL TO AFRICA

Mauritius has become the preferred portal for investment into Africa: Institutions such as the African Development Bank invest regularly in Mauritius-domiciled African investment funds, leveraging off the fund administration expertise that has been built up in the Mauritius financial services centre over years of administering India-oriented funds.

Mauritius offers the following advantages as a portal for investment into Africa:

  1. Strategic geographical position as part of the African continent: Bridge between Africa and Asia aided by convenient time zone at GMT+4.
  2. Close cultural, business and bilateral ties with Africa.
  3. Business friendly legislation and government committed to growth of international business. Stable democracy. Strong legal system with common law based company legislation and reputed International Arbitration Centre. No exchange control. Successful stock exchange.
  4. Robust banking system regulated by the Bank of Mauritius with all major international banks present in Mauritius.
  5. Recognised business environment World Bank in its latest Doing Business Report ranks Mauritius first in Africa and 23rd globally for its ease of doing business. Mo Ibrahim Index on Good Governance positions the jurisdiction first in Africa as does the Index of EconomicFreedom.
  6. Strong track record as a financial centre of choice for emerging markets' investment. Preferred domicile for US and European retail and professional funds and multinational corporations investing in the regional markets of south-east Asia and Africa.
  7. Pool of highly qualified and bilingual professionals Bilingualism eases communication with French speaking Africa. Capability to service BPO and back office operations.
  8. Only international financial services centre that is member of all major African regional organizations (COMESA, SADC, African Union, IOR – ARC) allowing duty free and preferential market access to an immediate market of over 600 million people. State of the artFreeport facilities.
  9. Network of Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (14 treaties with African countries and more in the pipeline) offering fiscal efficiency.
  10. Network of Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements, (17 signed with African nations) offering unparalleled risk mitigation opportunities with respect to African investments, including guarantees against expropriation of assets and discrimination between local and foreign investors and provision for dispute settlements.
  11. Pleasant and secure living environment with excellent hotels and celebrated beaches.
  12. Expatriate occupation permits issued within 3 days and business permits within 15 days.

Read more