As global capital flows evolve amid economic uncertainty, Mauritius is rapidly positioning itself as the financial gateway to Africa, attracting a growing share of international investment through innovation, compliance, and sustainability.
A new GlobalData webinar, now available on demand, delves into how this island nation is becoming a strategic hub for capital market access across the continent.
Hosted by GlobalData economists Tom Hopkins and Ollie Brown, the webinar begins by framing a stark economic reality: since 2019, global capital expenditure in foreign direct investment (FDI) has increased by 44%, while the number of FDI projects has dropped.
This trend, the hosts explain, reflects a more cautious and strategic investor mindset, one that prizes regulatory stability, sustainable finance, and long-term resilience over volume.
Mauritius, with its hybrid legal system influenced by both French and British law, has capitalised on this shift.
It is one of the few international financial centres globally to fully comply with all 40 Financial Action Task Force recommendations.
It operates without harmful tax practices, maintains automatic tax information exchange agreements, and boasts a robust and transparent regulatory regime, making it an attractive launchpad for Africa-focused investment.
In the webinar, Sunil Benimadhu, Executive Director of the Stock Exchange of Mauritius (SEM), highlights the country’s evolution from a domestic market into a globally recognised, multi-currency, multi-asset exchange.
Since 2009, SEM has raised over $7 billion in capital, with more than 180 securities listed.
Its commitment to sustainability is evident in its ESG-led initiatives, particularly in green bonds and sustainability-linked listings.
“We’ve built a platform that connects local ambition with global capital,” said Benimadhu.
Krishna Gangopadhyay, CEO of Afrinex, adds further depth to the discussion by showcasing Afrinex’s tech-driven financial ecosystem.
With a market capitalisation exceeding $13.5 billion and 99% of listings from international issuers, Afrinex represents a new generation of investment platforms.
Gangopadhyay noted that Afrinex’s model puts investors first through a secure and efficient digital infrastructure that includes a dedicated green finance platform and an electronic capital-raising portal.
Also featured is Jessica Naga, CEO of Mindex, a digital exchange that is reshaping asset trading in Mauritius.
Mindex uses the country’s cutting-edge virtual asset legislation to support tokenised funds, securities, and real-world assets—all enabled via blockchain.
“Our platform is redefining how digital assets are accessed and traded, placing Mauritius at the forefront of financial innovation,” said Naga.
What unites SEM, Afrinex, and Mindex is a collective ambition: to establish Mauritius as the definitive financial gateway to Africa.
Together, these institutions are enabling global investors to connect with African markets through trusted, transparent, and sustainable capital platforms.
For investors, analysts, and policymakers navigating the fast-changing landscape of global FDI and sustainable finance, this webinar offers essential insights into why Mauritius is becoming not just a point of entry, but a foundation, for Africa’s financial future.
