The Mauritius International Financial Centre (IFC) is rapidly becoming one of the most attractive destinations for investors looking to unlock fresh opportunities and establish a foothold in Africa. Today, more than 450 private equity funds are domiciled in the Mauritius and using our jurisdiction as a conduit to tap into the potential of burgeoning economies in the African Continent. Being part of both the Commonwealth and La Francophonie alliance of nations, we expect more than USD 80 billion investments directed to Africa to be structured in Mauritius by 2025. 

A strategic access to Africa

Foreign investors can use Mauritius to ringfence their investment into Africa as Mauritius boasts a stable political and social environment, investor-friendly policies, a well-developed and robust banking framework, and a strong legal infrastructure.

Advantages of Mauritius as an International Financial Centre

One of the biggest advantages is that, unlike several African countries, Mauritius has no foreign exchange control, no withholding tax on dividends, interest and royalties, no inheritance tax, estate duty or wealth tax and no Capital Gains Tax. Foreign investors can thus set up their Special Purpose Vehicles as Holding Entities in Mauritius, open their main bank account in Mauritius and receive dividends and manage the cash flow and funds, whilst the operations are conducted in Africa. All banks in Mauritius have internet banking facilities. Additionally, the country has a skilled bilingual workforce, well versed in English and French. 

Global Access

Thanks to its proximity and rich historical ties with Africa, India, China and Europe, Mauritius also forms part of the following regional trade blocks: SADC (Africa), COMESA (Africa), IOC (Indian Ocean), CECPA (India), AGOA (US), UK-ESA EPA. Having also signed Free Trade Agreements with Turkey, China and Pakistan, Mauritius is bolstering its position as the ideal platform for foreign investors to take advantage of preferential access to these markets. In addition, Mauritius has signed over 45 Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs), including 15 DTAs with African countries (South Africa, Botswana, Congo, Egypt, Eswatini, Ghana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles, Tunisia, Uganda and Zimbabwe. The number is growing.

Investment Protection

Mauritius has also signed Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (IPPAs) with 9 African countries (South Africa, Senegal, Tanzania, Egypt, Zambia, Mozambique, Burundi) and with other countries, such as UK, France, China inter-alia.

Freeport Sector

Mauritius is also home to a dynamic freeport industry and export sector. The Mauritius freeport can be used as a hub for bulk breaking, minor processing, assembly and repacking of goods for re-export to Africa, benefitting from the Freight Rebate Scheme. Freeport and export-oriented companies are taxed at only 3% in Mauritius on profits.