
At the Blue Economy Finance Forum BEFF in Monaco, Arvin Boolell, Minister of Agro-Industry and Blue Economy, advocated for blue finance, presenting Mauritius as a maritime power. He outlined the country's goal to double the blue economy's contribution to national GDP by 2036. Boolell highlighted Mauritius's vast maritime domain, including its Exclusive Economic Zone EEZ of nearly 3 million square kilometers, one of Africa's largest following the Chagos treaty. The minister emphasized moving beyond purely environmental discussions to focus on financial results, stressing Mauritius's ability to attract foreign capital through rigorous governance and innovative financial tools. He mentioned that the sovereign blue bond framework is designed to de-risk entry and amplify returns for long-term institutional investors, with legal stability being key to Mauritius's attractiveness. Science also guides Mauritius's strategy, utilizing artificial intelligence for fisheries management and developing marine biotechnologies. The upcoming Blue Economy Bill, to be debated in Parliament, aims to provide a predictable legislative framework. Boolell also noted Mauritius's pioneering role as the first country to ratify the historic BBNJ agreement on high seas biodiversity and its collaboration with Seychelles on shared continental shelf management. He concluded by inviting blue finance stakeholders to invest, stating, "The ocean is our common future. Investment is the bridge to achieve it. Let us
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Mauritius' 2025 ICT statistics reveal widespread internet access, with 2.24 million internet subscriptions 180.5 per 100 inhabitants and 99% mobile coverage. The country's Information Technology Development Index reached 94.8 out of 100 in 2025. Internet access has also become more affordable, with entry-level fixed and mobile plans representing 0.8% and 0.6% of gross national income per capita, respectively. However, despite this high connectivity, the sector's economic contribution has stagnated at 5.7% of national value added, down from 6.7% in 2021. Employment in large ICT establishments decreased by 1.9% to 17,560 jobs, and the number of companies with ten or more employees fell from 106 to 103. While the average value added per employee increased, suggesting productivity gains, it also points to increased automation or growth in less labor-intensive activities. The report highlights a shift towards higher-value activities like programming and consulting, which now generate 43% of the sector's value added, though call centers still account for 17%. The growth in internet subscriptions has slowed to 1.1% in 2025, with 84% of broadband subscriptions relying on mobile networks. While mobile access is prevalent, only 45% of individuals aged 12 and above used a computer in 2024, indicating a gap in advanced digital skills. Mauritians primarily use the internet for social networking 89.1%, entertainment 84.1%, and calls 96.5%, with lower engagement in online banking 36.1%, e-c

Business Mauritius and the Indian Ocean Commission IOC are collaborating to engage businesses in the sustainable management of chemicals and hazardous waste. This initiative is part of the GEF-ISLANDS Indian Ocean regional project, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme UNDP. The project supports companies in Comoros, Maldives, Mauritius, and Seychelles to improve hazardous waste management, reduce environmental and health impacts, and promote non-toxic circular value chains. Business Mauritius, co-piloting the private sector component with the IOC, facilitates dialogue among stakeholders, identifies innovative solutions, and fosters experience sharing and partnerships. A recent meeting brought together businesses, experts, and partners to discuss challenges and solutions. Ralph Connery, international consultant for the GEF-ISLANDS project, highlighted the opportunities of a regional approach, citing initiatives like the Moana Taka shipping partnership in the Pacific for collecting and transporting hazardous waste. He emphasized the need to identify technically, economically, and regulatory viable regional solutions for the Indian Ocean, considering challenges in maritime transport, logistics costs, insurance, and compliance with the Basel Convention. Mauritian companies, including Cernol Taylor Smith Group and Ecostril, shared their experiences in chemical and medical waste management, respectively, along with discussions on lithium-ion battery reuse. Amandi
Must ReadThe Independent Broadcasting Authority IBA has requested Top FM take disciplinary action against Habib Mosaheb, leading to his suspension for two upcoming editions of his show, "Koz茅 do Mo Pep." This action follows Mosaheb's comments on the May 10 broadcast, where he suggested drivers campaign against the Ministry of Land Transport, calling for the removal of "incompetent people" within the ministry. The IBA had previously targeted Mosaheb and Top FM, with the Alliance du Changement having pledged during their election campaign to reform the IBA's perceived partiality against private radio stations and their hosts. A disciplinary committee meeting is pending.