Kenya and Mauritius are pushing to strengthen business ties by making it easier for companies, investors, technology, and capital to move across African markets. This effort was highlighted during the Kenya-Mauritius Business Forum in Nairobi, which brought together players from banking, financial services, investment, technology, legal, and corporate advisory sectors. The forum aimed to explore opportunities for businesses in the two countries to expand across Africa.
The forum, held under the theme "Connecting Finance, Investment and Technology for Africa," saw Mauritius Economic Development Board Director Nanda Narrainen emphasize the need for stronger links in capital, technology, and expertise between Nairobi and Port Louis. Narrainen stated that the two countries' relationship has been rooted in mutual respect, but now they need to focus on building stronger commercial links, especially with Africa standing at the precipice of a historic economic transformation driven by the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Mauritius presented itself as an international financial centre with services ranging from banking and insurance to capital markets, wealth management, fintech, and professional services. According to data presented at the forum, financial services account for 12.4 per cent of Mauritius' gross domestic product, while the country supports about Ksh.16.8 trillion (USD130 billion) in assets under management. This presentation aimed to demonstrate the scale of Mauritius' cross-border investment ecosystem and its potential role in helping African businesses access international capital.
As of June 2026, Mauritius had 864 global funds and 194 Variable Capital Company funds. The country also had 13,341 Global Business Licence companies as of June 2026. Data presented at the forum showed that direct inward investment by Global Business Companies in Mauritius stood at Ksh.48.3 trillion (USD372.9 billion), while direct outward investment from Mauritius stood at Ksh.45.8 trillion (USD353.2 billion) as of June 2025. These figures highlight the country's significant role in cross-border investments.
One example of a partnership between Kenyan and Mauritian businesses is the collaboration between Kenya-based Underwriting Africa and Mauritius-based Swan Reinsurance PCC. This partnership combines reinsurance capacity from Mauritius with expertise in African markets, particularly in credit risk, bonds, and guarantees. The model has supported risks in 23 African countries, with a total sum assured of Ksh.107 billion (USD830 million) and 129 risks supported.
Technology was also a key focus at the forum, with Technology Service Providers of Kenya CEO Dr. Fiona Asonga highlighting the need for stronger regulatory alignment between Kenya and Mauritius. This alignment could help businesses operate more easily across regional markets, addressing issues such as double taxation and compliance while supporting the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Mauritius is seeking to grow its technology sector in areas including software development, fintech, e-commerce, and cybersecurity.
Narrainen emphasized that the two countries should use their membership of COMESA and participation in the AfCFTA to build stronger commercial links. By connecting Kenya's entrepreneurial energy, market skills, and digital talent with Mauritius' financial sophistication, treaty networks, and capital mobilisation tools, they can build a resilient, high-growth economic corridor. This collaboration aims to unlock Africa's markets and drive economic growth.
Key points
- Kenya and Mauritius are seeking to deepen business ties to make it easier for companies, investors, technology, and capital to move across African markets.
- Mauritius presented itself as an international financial centre with services ranging from banking and insurance to capital markets, wealth management, fintech, and professional services.
- The partnership between Kenya-based Underwriting Africa and Mauritius-based Swan Reinsurance PCC combines reinsurance capacity from Mauritius with expertise in African markets.
