Sir Anerood Jugnauth, former Prime Minister of Mauritius, discusses how the island is using information and communications technologies to boost economic development and diversify from an agrarian economy to a hub for knowledge and innovation.
Lapped by its turquoise-rimmed lagoons in the Indian Ocean, the island of Mauritius, a former British colony, has long been considered a get-away destination for Europeans in search of tropical climes for luxury holidays. By virtue of its geostrategic position, the island has also proved to be a major investment destination and is recognised as one of the most open and sound economies in the Africa region.
With no other resources than its human capital and its determination for achieving success, Mauritius has, in a relatively short span, transformed itself into a dynamically diversified, competitive and innovation-driven nation. The economy has ascended a growth curve through multiple phases of diversification, showing its resilience and ability to brace itself against exogenous economic forces. In fact, its transition from predominantly sugar cane agriculture to a services-oriented economy has been phenomenal in the aftermath of the dismantling of various trade agreements and preference regimes…
*Statistics within article correct at original publication date of CHOGM Report 2015.
Sir Anerood Jugnauth
former Prime Minister of Mauritius
