“France–Mauritius–Réunion axis can become a regional driver for trade, climate resilience, digital inclusion, and youth empowerment” 

Thani Mohamed Soilihi, French Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships

At the France-Mauritius Business Forum, Thani Mohamed Soilihi, the French Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships, highlighted the strength of the economic ties between France and Mauritius while calling for a renewed partnership based on co-development. Emphasising shared opportunities in food security, ecological transition, and new technologies, he encouraged businesses and institutions from both countries to work more closely to meet the economic and climate challenges of the future.

At the France-Mauritius Business Forum held in Mauritius last Friday, Thani Mohamed Soilihi, France’s Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships, highlighted the strength of the relationship between France and Mauritius, and called for a renewed focus on co-development.

Addressing participants, Minister Soilihi began by thanking all those involved for the quality of the discussions. “I want to sincerely thank each and every one of you for the quality of the exchanges, for the time you have devoted, and above all, for the spirit that prevailed during your discussions – one of a demanding, frank partnership, but resolutely action-oriented,” he stated.

“The economic relationship between France and Mauritius is solid. It is rooted, and it is diverse,” he said, adding that nearly 170 French companies, primarily small and mid-sized businesses, are present in Mauritius, particularly in sectors such as services, telecommunications, retail, and renewable energies.

Minister Soilihi emphasised that the partnership must evolve beyond traditional investment approaches. “We must look at this partnership not simply as a market opportunity, but as a platform for co-development,” he stressed. In a world characterised by uncertainty and geopolitical shifts, he said, both French and Mauritian businesses are seeking “growth opportunities, stable territories, and secure value chains,” and the relationship between the two countries can respond to these needs.

“We must look at this partnership not simply as a market opportunity, but as a platform for co-development.”

He also highlighted the geographical, cultural, and linguistic proximity between Mauritius and France’s overseas territories, notably Réunion Island, calling it “an asset we must leverage” to develop joint initiatives aimed at Africa, the Indian Ocean region, and beyond.

The Minister pointed to three areas in particular where the two countries can strengthen cooperation: food security, ecological and energy transitions, and new technologies.

On food security, Minister Soilihi referenced the need for greater control over supply chains. “International events remind us of the importance of securing our supplies and managing strategic sectors,” he said. France, he noted, has expertise in agriculture, food processing, and animal nutrition, which could complement Mauritius’ efforts to enhance local production and processing.

In the area of ecological transition, he praised Mauritius’ ambitions for 2030, which include phasing out coal and increasing renewable energy’s share to 60%. “I commend these objectives which do honour to Mauritius,” he said, adding that “to achieve them, we need solutions, financing, and skills.” He went on to express France’s willingness to work alongside Mauritius to build ecosystems that can support local start-ups, engineers, and mixed financing initiatives.

Regarding new technologies, Minister Soilihi recognised Mauritius’ advantages: “Mauritius is francophone, has a high level of education, and the French Tech community is active there”. He suggested that this foundation could enable collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital services, and cybersecurity.

Minister Soilihi stressed the need to invest more heavily in training and skills development to support technological cooperation. “I call on our companies, our agencies, and our schools to work together to train, here in Mauritius, the talents needed for tomorrow,” he said.

He also encouraged greater use of existing tools, such as exchange programmes between French and Mauritian educational institutions, the France Alumni network, international corporate volunteering programmes, and work-study initiatives.

Looking ahead, Minister Soilihi expressed confidence in the future of the bilateral partnership: “I am convinced that the France–Mauritius–Réunion axis can become a regional driver for trade, climate resilience, digital inclusion, and youth empowerment.”