The World Bank's latest Poverty & Equity Brief, released in October 2026, indicates that Mauritius continues to make strides in combating extreme poverty. Citing data from the 2023 Household Budget Survey, the relative poverty rate, defined as living on less than half the median income per adult equivalent, has decreased to 8.4%. This marks an improvement from the 10.4% recorded in 2017. Despite this progress, disparities within the Mauritian population remain significant.
The data reveals stark contrasts across different age groups and family structures. Notably, 15.7% of children under 16 live below the relative poverty line, compared to only 3.1% of the elderly. Furthermore, large families are disproportionately affected, with 28.9% of households with at least three children living in poverty. Additionally, single-parent households (12.6%), female-headed households (9.9%), and those led by divorced or separated individuals (14.8%) are particularly vulnerable.
Geographical location remains a critical determinant of living standards in Mauritius. While the national average stands at 8.4%, Rodrigues Island reports concerning figures, with 19.3% of individuals and 17.4% of households living in relative poverty. The World Bank attributes the high poverty rate on Rodrigues to structural constraints, limited job opportunities, and a heavy reliance on social transfers. Households in poverty on the island earn, on average, less than a third of the income of non-poor households.
Employment does not always serve as a safeguard against poverty in Mauritius. The poverty rate among the unemployed stands at 20.6%. Moreover, 5% of individuals aged 16 and above experience working poverty, often in the informal sector or in low-skilled occupations. Income inequality remains pronounced, with a Gini index of 37 in 2023. Statistics Mauritius set the relative poverty threshold at Rs 12,378 per month, representing 50% of the median monthly income per adult equivalent.
The World Bank projects that Mauritius' poverty rate will continue its downward trend, reaching 9.8% by 2028, consistent with the country's status as an upper-middle-income economy. This projection is based on a daily income threshold of $8.30 in 2021 Purchasing Power Parity. The poverty rate had temporarily surged to 22.6% in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic but has since shown a gradual recovery.
Children and specific demographics remain highly susceptible to poverty. The concentration of poverty among young people and large families underscores the need for targeted interventions. Efforts to address these vulnerabilities are crucial for sustaining Mauritius' progress in poverty reduction.
The Mauritian government and international organizations will likely focus on addressing the persistent vulnerabilities highlighted by the World Bank's report. Key strategies may include initiatives to boost employment opportunities, especially on Rodrigues Island, and social programs aimed at supporting large families and children.
Key points
- The poverty rate in Mauritius has decreased to 8.4%, but significant challenges remain, particularly among children and on Rodrigues Island.
- Large families, single-parent households, and those led by divorced or separated individuals are disproportionately affected by poverty.
- The World Bank projects that Mauritius' poverty rate will continue to decline, reaching 9.8% by 2028.
