Mauritius's manufacturing sector is in need of an immediate overhaul to stay competitive globally. Industry, SMEs, and Cooperatives Minister Aadil Ameer Meea stated that the sector faces soaring production costs, intense global competition, and persistent labor shortages. To address these challenges, Minister Meea urged local enterprises to adopt digital transformation, e-marketing, and artificial intelligence (AI) as practical tools to boost productivity and export competitiveness.
The Economic Development Board (EDB) recently organized a workshop titled “Driving Export Growth in Industry through Digital Transformation, E-Marketing and AI.” The event brought together representatives from the private sector, SMEs, and public institutions. Minister Meea emphasized that embracing digital transformation is crucial for the sector's survival. The EDB positioned itself as a facilitator to help manufacturing firms adapt to stringent international market demands.
A key challenge facing the sector is the ongoing labor crunch and skills gap. Minister Meea stressed that modernizing the industrial sector is essential to attract younger generations. Emerging career paths in robotics, data analytics, research and development, and digital production management are seen as key to attracting fresh talent. The EDB highlighted existing government support frameworks, including digital programs and tax incentives outlined in the Budget 2026-2027.
Sylvan Oxenham, President of Made in Moris, echoed the need for modernization. He emphasized that digital adoption must extend beyond large corporations to help local businesses understand overseas markets, target new clients, and elevate sales abroad. Oxenham noted that Mauritius is a small market and that businesses must look beyond their borders to grow.
Oxenham recommended a phased approach to AI adoption, beginning with department-wide training to foster familiarity and internal buy-in before deploying advanced use cases. He credited EDB’s initiatives with empowering businesses to learn, experiment, and avoid sitting on the sidelines. The EDB's efforts aim to support local businesses in navigating the complexities of digital transformation.
Minister Meea cautioned business leaders that the success of the shift relies fundamentally on internal execution. He advised businesses to start with the problem they need to solve, rather than beginning with technology. This approach is seen as crucial to ensuring that digital transformation and AI adoption are effective in addressing the sector's challenges.
The push for digital transformation and AI adoption in Mauritius's industrial sector is seen as a critical step towards boosting productivity and export competitiveness. With the EDB's support, local businesses are expected to be better equipped to navigate the complexities of the global market and capitalize on new opportunities.
Key points
- The industrial sector needs to adopt digital transformation and AI to stay competitive.
- The EDB is supporting local businesses in their digital transformation journey.
- Attracting youth through high-tech jobs is crucial to addressing labor shortages.
