Mauritius has climbed three places to rank 50th out of 139 economies in the Global Innovation Index 2026, released by the World Intellectual Property Organization on September 29. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the island nation, which has consistently demonstrated a strong performance in innovation. The ranking is based on approximately 80 indicators that assess institutions, human capital, research, infrastructure, markets, businesses, knowledge, technology, and creative industries.
In the African context, Mauritius retains its position as the top-ranked economy in Sub-Saharan Africa, ahead of South Africa, which ranks 63rd. The country has also moved up to fifth place among upper-middle-income economies, up from sixth place previously. This progress is attributed to its robust performance in various sectors, including services, digital connectivity, investment, and creative activities. The World Intellectual Property Organization's report confirms Mauritius' ranking, highlighting its strengths in export of cultural and creative services and the presence of venture capital investors.
The Global Innovation Index report notes that Mauritius has shown a sustained upward trajectory since 2019, driven by its strong service sector, digital connectivity, and investment in various creative activities. The country has made significant improvements in creative outputs, rising from 37th to 30th place, and in business sophistication, moving from 103rd to 90th place. These advancements reflect the country's efforts to diversify its economy and promote innovation-driven growth.
Despite this progress, the report also highlights several areas where Mauritius still faces significant challenges. The country's performance in knowledge and technology outputs remains a concern, with a ranking of 99th. Additionally, the sophistication of businesses and infrastructure rank 90th and 79th, respectively. These weaknesses underscore the need for continued efforts to address these gaps and ensure sustainable innovation-driven growth.
The Mauritian government has identified several key areas that require attention, including research and development funding from businesses, scientific talent in the private sector, high-tech manufacturing, advanced-stage venture capital, and technological imports. Addressing these needs will be crucial to converting the country's infrastructure, financial services, and connectivity into tangible products, such as digital products, software, patents, tech enterprises, and qualified jobs.
While Mauritius' entry into the top 50 is a positive signal, it does not necessarily indicate that the economy has undergone a structural transformation. The government and stakeholders must continue to work towards creating a more innovative and competitive economy, leveraging the country's strengths while addressing its weaknesses. This will require a sustained effort to promote research and development, entrepreneurship, and investment in key sectors.
The World Intellectual Property Organization's report provides a comprehensive assessment of Mauritius' innovation ecosystem, highlighting both achievements and challenges. As the country looks to build on its progress, it will be essential to prioritize areas such as research and development, talent development, and infrastructure upgrading to ensure that innovation continues to drive economic growth and development.
Key points
- Mauritius ranks 50th in the Global Innovation Index, retaining its top spot in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- The country still faces significant challenges in knowledge and technology outputs, business sophistication, and infrastructure.
- Addressing these weaknesses will be crucial to sustaining innovation-driven growth and transforming the economy.
