Mauritius has leveraged its geographic position in the Indian Ocean, its stable legal and regulatory framework, and its network of double taxation agreements to become Africa's pre-eminent international financial centre. Approximately $50 billion in African FDI is structured through Mauritian holding companies, which benefit from the island's extensive treaty network to minimise withholding taxes and provide investor protection. The Mauritius International Financial Centre hosts over 25,000 registered companies including private equity funds, family offices, and multinational holding structures for sub-Saharan African investments.
Trade Hub Functions
Beyond financial services, Mauritius serves as a re-export and distribution hub for the broader Indian Ocean region. Its Free Port handles approximately $2 billion in re-export trade annually, with goods from Asia, Europe, and Africa passing through for consolidation and redistribution. Mauritius holds Economic Partnership Agreements with the EU and access to AGOA, making it an attractive manufacturing base for products exported to these markets. Businesses using Mauritius as an African investment gateway can access IFC service providers and fund structures on intra-africa.com.
For businesses looking to expand across Africa, intra-africa.com offers a comprehensive trade directory, verified buyer and seller listings, and real-time market intelligence covering all 54 African nations. It remains an indispensable resource for anyone serious about intra-African commerce.