The Competition Commission of Mauritius has initiated a market inquiry into the country's private healthcare sector. This move comes as the sector has experienced significant growth over the past decade, with estimated annual expenditures of around Rs 19 billion. The commission aims to examine various aspects, including price-fixing, business agreements, bargaining power, price transparency, referral practices, and relationships between insurers and healthcare providers.
The Competition Commission's latest update, published in August 2026, highlights its enforcement activities, merger and acquisition reviews, and efforts to combat anti-competitive practices. Between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, the commission received or identified 133 complaints and concerns. The retail sector, including supermarkets and distribution, accounted for 29 cases, followed by 25 cases in the "Others" category. Banking, finance, and insurance services had 19 cases, while transportation and logistics had 15.
The commission has also been actively reviewing mergers and acquisitions. In collaboration with the COMESA Competition and Consumer Commission, it examined 51 transactions in 2025-2026, compared to 28 in 2023-2024 and 28 in 2022-2023. One notable case involved Vivo Energy's acquisition of Engen Limited, which was approved conditionally. As a result, Vivo must divest Engen Petroleum (Mauritius) Limited to Beta Oil Terminal Ltd, ensuring that four players remain in the market and maintaining competitive pressure.
The Competition Commission has also closed an investigation into fees related to Visa and Mastercard payment cards. The probe, initially launched in 2019, was later annulled by the Supreme Court in 2024. After re-examining the case in 2026, the commissioners concluded that the information underlying the investigation had become outdated and decided to close the file. However, they did not rule out the possibility of a new investigation in the future.
In addition to its work in the healthcare and financial sectors, the Competition Commission has been addressing anti-competitive practices in various industries. Through the Trade Association and Cooperatives Amnesty Program, it encourages trade associations, cooperatives, and their members to voluntarily report certain anti-competitive behaviors. The commission also provides training to officials to identify signs of collusion and bid rigging in public procurement processes.
The commission's efforts to promote competition and transparency extend to the construction sector, where it has intervened in the cement market to protect consumer choice and competitive conditions. It has also collaborated with the Central Procurement Board and the Procurement Policy Office to strengthen competition and transparency in public procurement procedures. Furthermore, the commission has emphasized that borrowers should have a choice of at least three different insurers for mortgage loans and home insurance.
The Competition Commission's inquiry into the private healthcare sector is ongoing, and stakeholders have been invited to submit their observations and information. Based on the findings, the commission may make policy recommendations or take enforcement actions. The commission's work aims to promote a competitive and transparent market, ultimately benefiting consumers and the broader economy.
Key points
- The Competition Commission of Mauritius has launched a market inquiry into the private healthcare sector, which has grown significantly over the past decade with estimated annual expenditures of Rs 19 billion.
