The Mauritian government is promoting the island nation as a prime location for international investors looking to tap into the African market. Finance Minister Jyoti Jeetun recently led a mission to the UK and Germany, highlighting Mauritius' potential as a financial platform for Africa. The trip aimed to strengthen ties with key financial players and encourage investment in the region. During her visit, Jeetun emphasized the importance of mobilizing African savings, developing local currency debt, and reducing perceived risks associated with investing in Africa.
In London, Jeetun spoke at the Financial Times Africa Summit 2026, where she outlined three key strategies for financing Africa's growth. She stressed the need to tap into African institutional investors, pension funds, and insurance companies. The minister also advocated for increased use of local currency financing, citing the challenges posed by foreign currency debt. Furthermore, she called for a reduction in perceived risk associated with African investments, highlighting the continent's rapid economic growth.
Jeetun's mission also included meetings with major financial institutions, such as HSBC, Mastercard, and BlackRock. The minister discussed opportunities for investment in Africa and Mauritius' role as a regional financial hub. A key focus area was the Growth Gateway Programme, a British initiative aimed at facilitating investment in Africa. The programme brings together investors, governments, and financial institutions to support economic development in the region.
The fintech sector was another key area of focus during Jeetun's visit. Mauritius is seeking to establish itself as a hub for financial technology and digital payments, with a national strategy in place until 2030. Discussions with fintech companies, including Revolut and Wise, centered on regulatory frameworks, cybersecurity, and expansion opportunities. The minister highlighted Mauritius' ambition to become a bridge between Africa and Asia.
In Berlin, Jeetun met with German State Secretary for Finance Rolf Bösinger, requesting a review of restrictions on German development finance institutions investing in Africa through Mauritius. The restrictions were tightened after Mauritius was placed on the grey list of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which the country has since exited. Jeetun emphasized the reforms undertaken by Mauritius and advocated for a reassessment of Germany's position.
The minister also engaged with the business community in London, participating in a roundtable discussion on UK-Mauritius investment. The event, organized with Invest Africa and the British High Commission, brought together representatives from major financial institutions, including Bank of America and KPMG UK. Participants expressed interest in the upcoming US-Africa Business Summit, scheduled to take place in Mauritius in December.
Jeetun's visit concluded with a call to action, urging investors to capitalize on Africa's growth opportunities and explore the potential of Mauritius as a financial platform. The minister emphasized the need for international investors to engage directly with Africa, citing the continent's rapid economic growth and ongoing reforms. With its experienced financial sector and strategic location, Mauritius aims to play a key role in facilitating investment flows into Africa.
Key points
- Mauritius seeks to leverage growing international investor interest in Africa, promoting itself as a key financial hub.
- The Mauritian government is promoting the island nation as a prime location for international investors looking to tap into the African market.
- Finance Minister Jyoti Jeetun recently led a mission to the UK and Germany, highlighting Mauritius' potential as a financial platform for Africa.
