The Startup Ecosystem of Mauritius

In terms of policy developments, the Business Facilitation Act has eased the procedures to start a business in the country. Mauritius has introduced several financial support schemes for entrepreneurs, such as the Business Development Scheme, which offers loans to startups and Booster Microcredit for projects in several value-adding industries such as ICT. Additionally, the Economic Development Board (EDB) introduced a Regulatory Sandbox Licence (RSL) allowing companies to test innovative fintech projects in a controlled regulatory environment before full-scale launch. The country is dedicated to developing its innovation economy through changes in the national curriculum and providing research funding to PhD students. Considering the country’s small population, attracting and keeping talent inside its startup ecosystems could be a challenge. Mauritius’ 10 Year Master Plan For The SME Sector indicates that the public sector is aware of these challenges and has strategies in place to overcome them. Mauritius startup support and entrepreneurship are key in propelling the country’s innovation economy, with resources such as business incubators, policies to address startup challenges, and investment opportunities driving startup growth and success. The country’s focus on nurturing talent and innovation reflects in its policies, making Mauritius an attractive destination for startups looking to thrive in a supportive business environment.