On October 6, 2026, in Port Louis, Mauritius' Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Dhananjay Ramful, held a bilateral meeting with Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission. This meeting took place as Mr. Youssouf was in Mauritius to attend the launch of the African Credit Rating Agency on October 7, 2026. The discussions focused on strengthening ties between Mauritius and the African Union.
During the meeting, Minister Ramful welcomed Mr. Youssouf on his first visit to Mauritius since assuming his role in 2025. He reiterated Mauritius' full commitment to the African Union and expressed gratitude for the Union's support in asserting Mauritius' sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago. Mr. Youssouf assured Minister Ramful of the African Union's continued support on this issue.
The two officials also discussed the development of the African Credit Rating Agency into a credible and internationally recognized entity. They touched on the implementation of Agenda 2063, emphasizing connectivity with the African mainland and building resilience in African island states. Mauritius' commitment to African instruments, such as the AfCFTA, was also highlighted.
Minister Ramful appealed for a balanced approach in formulating continental policies to ensure a fully integrated and prosperous Africa. The meeting also covered peace and security situations in the Great Lakes, Sahel, and Eastern Africa. Minister Ramful expressed support for Mr. Youssouf's initiative to promote good neighbourliness as part of his peacebuilding efforts.
Mr. Youssouf thanked the Government and people of Mauritius for their voluntary contribution of US$ 75,000 to the African Union Africa Epidemic Fund. This contribution supported efforts to combat Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The bilateral meeting demonstrated the commitment of both parties to enhancing cooperation and addressing key regional challenges.
The discussions between Minister Ramful and Chairperson Youssouf reflected a shared vision for a more integrated and prosperous African continent. By working together, Mauritius and the African Union aim to accelerate intra-Africa trade and promote peace and security in the region.
The meeting between Minister Ramful and Chairperson Youssouf marked a significant step in strengthening the relationship between Mauritius and the African Union. Both parties expressed their commitment to continuing their collaboration on key issues affecting the region.
Key points
- Mauritius and the African Union have reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation on issues such as the Chagos Archipelago and the development of the African Credit Rating Agency.
