British Robinson,
Coordinator of Prosper Africa

“From biopharmaceuticals to financial services, the diversity of opportunities stands out in Mauritius”

During her recent visit to Mauritius, British Robinson, the Coordinator of Prosper Africa, emphasized the island nation’s strategic importance in boosting U.S.-Africa trade relations. Prosper Africa, a U.S. presidential initiative, aims to scale two-way trade and investment across Africa. With its robust financial sector, strategic location, and transparent business environment, Mauritius is well-positioned to serve as a gateway for U.S. companies exploring opportunities across the continent. In this interview with BIZWEEK, British Robinson shares her insights on how Mauritius fits into the broader strategy of Prosper Africa and discusses plans to bring U.S. institutional investors to the island in 2025. She also highlights the diversity of sectors – ranging from textiles to biopharmaceuticals – where Mauritius could act as a hub, helping integrate Africa into the global economy and fostering sustainable growth through strategic partnerships.

Can you tell us about the mission of Prosper Africa and how Mauritius fits into it?

Prosper Africa is a U.S. presidential initiative that aims to scale two-way trade and investment across the entire continent of Africa. We see Mauritius as an essential part of this mission, not just as an individual market, but as a strategic gateway to Africa. With its robust financial services sector, transparent business environment, and commitment to the rule of law, Mauritius offers a conducive setting for U.S. companies looking to do business across the continent. We’re here to deepen commercial and economic ties, and Mauritius plays a pivotal role as a hub for regional and integrated investment opportunities.

You’ve travelled across Africa. What are your initial impressions of Mauritius as an investment destination?

Mauritius has truly impressed me, particularly in sectors like textiles, where there is a high level of skill and potential for more regional trade. However, what stands out is the diversity of opportunities beyond textiles, ranging from biopharmaceuticals to financial services. My visit has been a learning experience, and I’ve been struck by the entrepreneurial spirit and the potential to expand investment across various sectors. We’re keen to understand the broader economic landscape and identify opportunities where U.S. companies can collaborate and invest.

We’re inviting private sectors from both the U.S. and Mauritius to collaborate, explore new opportunities, and deepen economic ties.

How does Prosper Africa support investments and mitigate risks for U.S. companies?

One of our primary roles is to de-risk investments to make it easier for U.S. companies to engage in business across Africa. We do this through a variety of tools, including grants, transaction advisory services, and loan guarantees. These measures help reduce the financial risks and ensure that U.S. companies can operate with confidence. We also provide support for venture capitalists, early-stage start-ups and SMEs by creating catalytic facilities that provide funding. Our goal is to make investments more attractive by mitigating risks, enabling smoother transactions, and ultimately fostering economic growth.

Mauritius is a small island compared to the rest of Africa. How does it align with your broader strategy?

While Mauritius may be small in size, we see it as a vital component of the larger African investment landscape. Most U.S. investors don’t limit their investments to just one country; they look at regional clusters. Mauritius’s strategic location and well-established financial sector make it an ideal hub for operations across the eastern coast of Africa. For example, Mauritius is already active in sourcing cotton from Tanzania and has potential for more integration in sectors like agriculture, fintech, and SMEs. We want to promote this regional approach and see more of these cross-border economic flows.

Could you share your views on Africa’s economic future and the role of Mauritius in it?

Africa’s economic potential is immense. By 2050, the continent’s population will double to 2.5 billion people, with 60% under the age of 25. This presents a vast, young, and dynamic workforce that will be larger than India and China combined by 2040. The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is a monumental step, creating the world’s largest trading block by population, and Mauritius is already a part of it. The question now is how Mauritius can engage more deeply with the AfCFTA to maximize the benefits. We’re not just bringing investments to Mauritius; we want to see how the island can help integrate Africa into the global capital markets. Mauritius has a key role to play in facilitating this integration.

Our message to U.S. companies is clear: Africa is open for business, and Mauritius is the gateway to this dynamic market.

What future plans does Prosper Africa have for engaging with Mauritius?

Looking ahead, we plan to bring a U.S. institutional investor delegation to Mauritius in 2025. This initiative will allow us to showcase the breadth of investment opportunities across the continent, with Mauritius acting as a strategic hub. Over the past four years, our institutional investor trips have led to $1.7 billion in investments in Africa. We believe that by bringing these investors here, we can highlight the potential of Mauritius and encourage more robust engagement between U.S. and African markets.

How do you see the future of U.S.-Mauritius trade relations?

The future is bright. The U.S. government is committed to moving beyond traditional aid to real, sustainable investment. We want to build enduring trade and investment linkages, and Mauritius is an essential partner in this endeavor. Through initiatives like Prosper Africa, we’re inviting private sectors from both the U.S. and Mauritius to collaborate, explore new opportunities, and deepen economic ties. Our message to U.S. companies is clear: Africa is open for business, and Mauritius is the gateway to this dynamic market.

Any final thoughts on your visit to Mauritius?

It has been a pleasure to be here and to engage with stakeholders from AmCham Mauritius, U.S. companies, and local businesses. Mauritius is clearly open for business, and so are we. This visit marks the beginning of what I hope will be a long and productive relationship. We’re excited to explore the possibilities, deepen our ties, and support sustainable economic growth across the continent. I look forward to seeing the collaborations and partnerships that emerge from this visit, and I’m confident that Mauritius will play a significant role in the future of U.S.-Africa trade.