“What is Morris doing to attract returning talent?”

Mauritius can offer U.S. investors a wealth of opportunities in growth-enhancing sectors such as renewable energy, healthcare, financial services, and information and communications technology. Last week, a Mauritius-U.S. business summit concluded with two days of discussions that highlighted the interest of U.S. investors as well as South African and Kenyan chambers of commerce. Despite these opportunities, brain drain remains a significant challenge in Africa. Despite this reality, Cynthia Griffin, «Minister-Counselor of the Ministry of Commerce» For Sub-Saharan Africa, it has been observed that Africans are gradually returning to their countries after studying in Europe or the United States. This new confidence is due to the efforts made by African governments to attract this talent. Cynthia Griffin also believes that Mauritius must explore how to bring in its own talent in order to take advantage of the business opportunities that may arise in the United States.

What are the main opportunities currently facing US businesses in Mauritius? How can they make the most of them?

Our delegation consists of representatives from the healthcare, cybersecurity, energy and financial services industries. We believe that these sectors offer the greatest opportunities for Mauritius. That is why our delegation is focusing on these specific sectors as we see great prospects there. The real purpose of the delegation is to strengthen relationships and promote business in these sectors. We believe this is a great platform and opportunity for the above-mentioned industries. US investors are keen to invest in these sectors and are looking for business partners in Mauritius to develop these sectors.

How has the trade relationship between our two countries developed in recent years? What are the forecasts for future trade dynamics?

I think we have done some business deals but there is still a lot of work to be done. Mauritius can benefit from the US because it is a huge export market. Currently, bilateral trade is only a few million dollars. There is willingness on both sides and we want American companies to know that there are opportunities in Mauritius.

We had a good meeting with the government and discussed the need to make American companies aware of the opportunities that exist in Mauritius, such as infrastructure projects and port transformation. What we can do is to demonstrate our commitment through our delegation, understand the opportunities and expertise that American businesses can bring, and seek opportunities to connect and engage.

What can we say about the latest developments regarding recent or upcoming trade agreements between Mauritius and the United States and their potential impact on trade operations?

Mauritius is already part of regional trade agreements, which is impressive and a plus for the island. You will benefit from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which we hope will continue. The Biden-Harris Administration has made clear its support for the renewal of the AGOA, but the final decision lies with our Congress.

What are the main challenges that U.S. companies face when entering or operating in the Mauritian market, and how can they effectively overcome these challenges?

I know that the American Chamber of Commerce in Mauritius (AmCham) recently conducted an in-depth survey to assess the areas where American businesses or multinationals mainly need additional advice or help. The Chamber has been working hard and the government has also shown interest in understanding these challenges and working with businesses to overcome them. I think the Doing Business Index and the Climate Business Survey remain useful to collect the voices of Mauritian industry and businesses in order to understand what more can be done on the government side to provide opportunities for business expansion here and on the mainland.

What are the current trends in foreign direct investment (FDI) in Mauritius and how can U.S. companies position themselves to benefit from these trends?

Looking at opportunities, financial services, biotechnology research, and renewable energy emerge as promising areas. What are we doing in terms of cybersecurity to protect IT infrastructure? What are we doing to protect critical infrastructure? These areas also offer opportunities for American businesses.

The purpose is primarily to gather information, identify new opportunities, build relationships and engage in bilateral dialogue to identify and capitalize on opportunities where U.S. companies could become valuable partners for Mauritius.

Although Mauritius is well positioned in Africa at all levels, do you think our lack of resources prevents us from attracting as much investment as other African countries?

Look at Singapore, a small country with a small population, but it attracts all the investment. I have spoken to some business people who have expressed a desire to become the Switzerland of Africa. There are always opportunities, and it is vital to put Mauritius on the map, considering what you have achieved in tourism and infrastructure, and showcasing the beautiful Indian Ocean. What else can Mauritius do to make itself known? When I think of Mauritius, I think of financial services and medical technology.

What can Morris do to go further? There are more opportunities and it is necessary to meet with the private sector and other governments and observe what other countries are doing to attract foreign direct investment. Just because you are a small country does not mean you cannot achieve this. You can become a platform not only for Africa but also for the world.

Given the brain drain problem we face, do you think American investors will be able to find the necessary human resources?

The question is how to bring the talent back. When I travel across the continent, I see many people who were educated in Europe or the US returning to the continent. What is Mauritius doing to attract returning talent? If the problem of brain drain persists, how can we attract these people again? I have observed people of African descent, Africans returning to the continent to join the government, the private sector and contribute to the development of their communities. It is very interesting.