INTRODUCTION

Mauritius has, over the years, meticulously assembled the prerequisites to make the
island a business-friendly, profitable and safe location of unparalleled quality for the
investor community, both local and foreign. The island has over three decades of positive
track record in hosting foreign investors, coming from major capitals of the world, many
of whom have re-invested in multiple projects since and are still present in Mauritius.

Leading global consultancy firms have positioned Mauritius as an up-and-coming global

quality ICT destination, placing the island ahead of other emerging destinations in terms
of political stability, cultural compatibility, quality infrastructure and government support.

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Mauritius is ideally placed to become the quality Infocomms and Media Cluster in this
part of the world. Investment opportunities exist in the following priority areas:

IT Enabled Services (ITES): The call centre industry is the highest generator of
employment with a solid base of international players presently operational. Most of
the work is currently centred on customer support, help desk and telemarketing
campaigns. International providers generally rate Mauritius with high levels of satisfaction.

Orange Business Services operates in a highly competitive global

market. The convergence of high bandwidth/mobile telephony/
applications is a practical reality for the end users of our
Enterprise client portfolio. With the globalisation of these
companies and the increased business travels of their employees,
our Enterprise clients expect to obtain the same level of services
that they are accustomed to at the office, everywhere else in
the world.
To meet their clients’ expectations, our customer care services
also need to expand towards a global coverage. These services
are currently on a high growth path.
The state-of-the-art infrastructure, economic and political
stability, availability of skills and government support have
been instrumental in our decision to set up in Mauritius.
Moreover, the added advantages of a bilingual (English/French)
workforce and a convenient time zone make it ideal for us to
develop a Technical Helpdesk in Mauritius as a complement
the other Orange Business Services centres.

Patrice Despax Director of Orange Major Service Centre - Mauritius

The availability of specialized professionals such as accountants, lawyers and

architects has been a catalyst to the development of the BPO segment in Mauritius.
Opportunities exist in accounting and financial BPO, market research and analysis (e.g.
equity research, insurance underwriting and financial data mining), legal and HR BPO,
medical transcription, architectural and engineering design, web development and
multimedia, among others.

The outsourcing structures in Mauritius provide

AXA Assistance Germany with an excellent opportunity to
optimise and reinforce our processes and be even more efficient
in a highly competitive market place.
We have chosen Mauritius because of its ability to offer high
quality services and because of its language capabilities. Our
joint venture with The Rogers Group is a vehicle of growth for
our business.
Rogers Outsourcing Solutions Ltd
Software Development Activities: Given the high knowledge expertise of the
Mauritian IT graduates compared to other competing destinations, there is presently
an immense potential for companies to tap the regional and European markets. Our
bilingual pool of talents is highly competitive with international university exposure and
adaptable to the new challenges of the ever changing technological world.

Telecommunications: The liberalisation of the Mauritian telecommunications

industry has encouraged the entry of new operators in this field, resulting in the exponential
growth of mobile phone and internet users, and improved fixed-line density. Appropriate
measures have been taken to keep pace with the rapid development in telecommunications
and to cater for broadband networks. Multinational telecoms companies are now
using Mauritius as a platform to tap the regional and francophone markets.

“The well-equipped infrastructures, the good investment

environment and the rich human resources of talented
people here have made Huawei choose Mauritius as
the location of our financial shared service centre for
the South African region”
Ms. Meng Wanzhou, Vice President Finance, Huawei
Technologies Headquar ters – Inaugural speech

Intelligent habitats: There is a real need to provide potential investors with

a range of intelligent buildings at competitive rates. The construction of various intelligent
ICT habitats throughout the island is still an area with significant untapped potential
given the strong growth in the sector.

Media and digital entertainment: With the current expansion of the film
industry, Mauritius envisions becoming a regional Media and Digital Entertainment hub.
The island has interesting assets to attract industry players including varied scenery
ranging from the idyllic sun and sea spots to luxuriant greens, a cosmopolitan and
ethnically diverse population and an increasing number of professional cast and new crew.

Mauritius is positioned to attract all investments in the industry. Specific opportunities

have also been structured in the following areas: setting up of studios and processing
laboratories, provision of industry specific goods such as high quality and sophisticated
equipment needed for filmmaking, provision of industry specific services such as
development of specific locations for shootings and training of artists and technicians.
With the burgeoning games and animation global industries, Mauritius is equipped to
develop the digital media industry with unparalleled success.

WHY MAURITIUS ?

A fast growing sector

Growing at an annual rate of 40%, the Mauritian ICT industry has rapidly emerged
as a sector with strong potential. With around 200 companies currently operational,
among which some major flagship companies, the sector is contributing positively to
the Mauritian economy.

A strategic geopolitical location

Mauritius is located in the Indian Ocean, at the crossroads of vital trade routes between
Europe and Asia, Africa and Australia, thus benefiting from a time zone differential
which allows multinationals to operate on a truly global delivery model.
Through its location, strong international
relationships with India, Europe and USA
and continuous political stability, Mauritius
is well poised to become the prime
offshoring centre for global companies.
 “The Regional Microsoft Office was opened in
Mauritius in 1997 following the implementation of
the Copyright Act by the Government of Mauritius.

• Commitment from MS versus the Government on

supporting the IP Law
• Enabling people and communities in Mauritius to
realize their potentials
• Stable political and economical climate
• Government’s willingness to develop the IT sector
• Incentives provided to investors
• Bilingual workforce
Marc- Henri Ravaux, Countr y Manager,
Microsof t Indian Ocean Islands and French Pacific

A skilled, bilingual and cosmopolitan workforce

Mauritius has a pool of young, well educated, skilled and productive workforce.
The government is currently encouraging world class tertiary education institutions
to invest in the country so as to enhance the existing pool of talents. The level of
attrition is less than 10%, an excellent indicator of the stability of the workforce.

Indicators Year 2006

Population level 1.2 m
GDP per capita $ 5,280
Employable workforce 549,200
Unemployment rate 9.1%
Literacy rate 86%
No. of school leavers
School Certificate 12,149
Higher School Certificate 7,274
No. of tertiary enrolments per year -
IT courses (Diploma to Master) 4,733
Management 2,219 *
Accountancy 215 *
* Year 2005
Sources: Central Statistics Office and Bank of Mauritius
(Exchange rate: 1USD = MUR 31)

Courses are distributed up to a Master’s level in IT in our two universities and a number
of students coming back to Mauritius each year with degrees from leading universities
in Europe, India, Australia, South Africa and Canada. Prestigious international companies
like Infosys, Microsoft, Accenture, Centerfile and TNT Group recruit a number of our
local graduates each year and are perfectly satisfied with the quality of the workforce.

There are a number of reasons why TNT Document

Services has chosen Mauritius to run its offshore operation.
The core reason is the workforce - skilled, talented,
trainable, hardworking, multilingual, and with a customer
service mentality. Our customers and colleagues are
always impressed when they visit our facility, where
they experience the friendly atmosphere and the positive
attitude of our highly motivated team.
Other reasons are low cost, technology infrastructure,
advantageous time zone, and low political and
geographic risk.

Vidia Mooneegan, General Manager, TNT Document Ser vices

With its multi-ethnic population, Mauritius is an ideal platform for international investors
wishing to implement a truly global delivery model.
Quality Infrastructure
As part of a quality supply strategy, the Mauritian government has invested massively
in providing ICT companies with state-of-the-art infrastructure. The Ebene Cyber City
is the first of its kind of a new generation of IT parks in this part of the world. The Cyber
City hosts the award winning Cyber Tower, an intelligent building equipped with
ultramodern features. Similar infrastructural facilities are provided for the construction
of intelligent buildings in different parts of the island.

Mauritius is connected to the SAFE/SAT3/WASC submarine fibre optic cable system

which provides high bandwidth international connectivity. SAFE secures international
connectivity even during cyclones and provides an alternative high-speed link to the
existing satellite routes. Advanced telecommunications services include the introduction
of Wi-Fi technology and 3G mobile networks which have revolutionized the
telecommunications landscape in the country.

Accenture started its operations in Mauritius in January

2002. Mauritius Center is part of our Global Delivery
Network. We provide services to European and US
clients in IT development and BPO, with a team of 600
people. We are continuously growing our operations.
We chose Mauritius based mainly on 3 areas which
demonstrate its ability to deliver high-value BPO and IT
as an offshore location: People (High-skilled professionals,
Bilingual in French and English and a flexible workforce),
Telecommunications (Reliable and low-cost
telecommunications infrastructure, local competencies),
Environment (Stable and flexible legal environment,
State-of-the-art training and education framework)
Yves Bernaer t, Accenture Senior Executive
Mauritius Center lead
Unmatched Regulatory Framework
An appropriate legal framework has been put into place to enable international ICT
players to successfully conduct business from Mauritius. In this perspective, the Information
and Communication Technologies Act 2001, Computer Misuse and Cyber crime Act 2003
are some of the legislations that have been enacted to secure the transfer and processing
of personal and confidential data. This opens up interesting investment opportunities
for the relocation of value-added BPO activities in Mauritius.

Competitive Business Environment

Mauritius offers a low tax jurisdiction and an investor-friendly environment to encourage
local and foreign ICT companies to set up an activity.
• Harmonised corporate and income tax rate at 15%
• VAT at 15%, refundable
• Tax free dividends
• No capital gains tax
• 100% foreign ownership
• Exemption from customs duty on equipment
• Free repatriation of profits, dividends and capital
• No minimum foreign capital required
• 50% annual allowance on declining balance for the purchase of electronic and
computer equipment
• Streamlining of all administrative procedures
~ A single occupation permit instead of work and residence permits
granted to investors (generating MUR 3 million of annual turnover)
and professionals being offered employment for a monthly salary
of at least MUR 30,000.
~ No restriction to purchase immovable property to be used
exclusively for business purposes.
~ After three years of activity in Mauritius, consistent with the terms
of entry, foreign nationals, spouse and dependents can apply for
a permanent residence valid for a period of 10 years and purchase
real estate.
~ The spouse of a holder of an occupation permit is allowed to
take up employment.

FORMALITIES TO SET UP A COMPANY

A company can be incorporated within a maximum of 3 working days.
The Companies Act 2001 allows for the incorporation of companies with the
following options:
• One shareholder,
• With or without any statutory constitution, and
• No minimum paid-up capital.
A company name should be reserved by filing a notice of reservation of name to the
Registrar of companies prior to incorporation.
Upon issual of a certificate of incorporation by the Registrar of Companies a unique
business registration number will be issued to the company which will be common for
all communications with the local authorities.
 Companies may register with the Board of Investment for assistance and support to the
implementation of their projects or business.
Forms and detailed information are available on the following website:
http://www.gov.mu/portal/site/compdivsite

Contact Us:
The Infocomms & Media Cluster
Board of Investment
Email: infocomms@investmauritius.com
info@investmauritius.com

INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT

AGENCIES CONTACT DETAILS

Business Parks of Mauritius Ltd Email: bpml@bpmlmauritius.mu

(BPML) Website: www.e-cybercity.mu

National Computer Board Email: incubator@intnet.mu

(Incubator Centre) Website: http://incubator.intnet.mu

Information and Communication Technology Website: www.icta.mu

Authority (ICTA) – for telecom licensing

Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) - Website: www.iba.gov.mu/portal/site/iba

for broadcasting licensing

Mauritius Telecom Website: www.mauritiustelecom.com

Mauritius Film Development Corporation Website: www.mfdc.mu

Human Resource Development Council Email: info@hrdc.intnet.mu

(Ministry of Education and Human Resources) Website: www.hrdc.mu

Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry Email: mcci@intnet.mu

(MCCI) Website: www.mcci.org

Mauritius Employers Federation Email: mef@intnet.mu

(MEF) Website: www.mef/online.org

University of Mauritius Website: www.uom.ac.mu

(UOM)
University of Technology,Mauritius Email: director@utm.intnet.mu
(UTM) Website: www.utm.ac.mu

Email: rocd@intnet.mu
Registrar of Companies Website: www.companies.gov.mu
July 2007
 Head Office
Board of Investment
Level 10, One Cathedral Square Building
16 Jules Koenig Street
Port Louis
MAURITIUS
Tel : + 230 203 38 00
Fax : + 230 208 29 24
Email : contact@investmauritius.com
Website: www.investmauritius.com

Paris Office
Board of Investment - Ile Maurice
124 Boulevard Haussmann
75008 Paris
FRANCE
Tel: + 33 1 45 44 62 14
Fax: + 33 1 45 48 75 22
Email: paris@investmauritius.com

Mumbai Office
Board of Investment - Mauritius
103 Mittal Tower ‘C’ Wing
Level 10, Nariman Point
Mumbai 400 021
INDIA
Tel: + 91 22 66 30 86 17/8
Fax: + 91 22 66 30 86 19
Email: mumbai@investmauritius.com

London Office
Board of Investment - Mauritius
32/33 Elvaston Place
London SW7 5NW
UNITED KINGDOM
Tel: +44 207 581 02 94 / 5
Fax: +44 207 823 84 37 / +44 207 584 98 59
Email: london@investmauritius.com