Insights from professionals about Mauritius
Leisure
MAMA JAZ returns this April for its 11th edition. Staying true to its spirit of creation and improvisation, this year's festival highlights “Natural Intelligence,” celebrating human creative genius at a time when artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly prominent role in our societies. Concerts, performances and artistic encounters will take place throughout April in Port Louis, with the aim of bringing together a wide audience around a free and universal vision of music. Gavin Poonoosamy, the founder of this now-unmissable event on the local music scene, spoke to Expat.com.
Work
Over the last fifteen years, Mauritius's job market has evolved rapidly. As the economy opened up, new sectors emerged, and international professionals increasingly chose the island, recruitment practices naturally followed suit. Today, recruiting in Mauritius is a far more structured and digital process, shaped as much by technology as by a renewed focus on people.
Schools & studies
Born in the heart of Silicon Valley, Holberton School has quickly established itself as a major international player in digital skills training. Its intensive, practice-driven model is built almost entirely around hands-on work and real-world projects, aiming to align learning as closely as possible with professional realities. Now present in around twenty countries, Holberton opened its Mauritius campus in 2025 with a clear goal: to train job-ready tech professionals locally and meet the growing needs of the Mauritian and regional tech ecosystem. In this interview, Frédéric Waeber, cofounder of Holberton Mauritius, reflects on the school's educational philosophy, the rationale for its launch on the island, the challenges it has faced since its inception, and the opportunities emerging for students in a fast-changing sector.
Work
Shirin Gunny leads the Association of Mauritian Manufacturers (AMM) and has been steering the Made in Moris label since 2013, shaping it into a true driver of national pride and economic transformation. Under her leadership, Made in Moris now brings together more than 300 companies and stands as a strong, unified brand across eight key sectors. A graduate of HEC Montréal, she began her career at Cossette, where her work for international brands earned her major distinctions, including Cannes Lions and the Grand Prix Stratégies. Visionary and strategic, Shirin Gunny has repositioned the AMM as a central force for innovation, responsible production and sustainable industrial development, cultivating partnerships aligned with SDG 17. She is also a visual artist, creating pieces using natural materials.
Schools & studies
After founding several successful Montessori schools on Réunion Island, Stéphanie Payet and her husband are expanding their vision with a new project in Mauritius. Once an HR professional, Stéphanie is now fully committed to education, working to create a school that blends academic rigor, independence, and international-mindedness. In this interview, she shares the story behind the project, her journey, and the principles that guide her work.
Work
Behind the postcard-perfect image of Mauritius lies a labor market undergoing significant change. Wage pressures, talent shortages, and demographic challenges are reshaping employment on the island. To better understand these dynamics and identify opportunities for foreign professionals, we spoke with Barthelemy Aupee, a recruitment specialist who has been based in Mauritius since 2015. With international experience, he now supports both local and international companies in their hiring strategies across the Indian Ocean, Africa, and Europe. In this interview, he offers his perspective on the Mauritian job market, highlights the most promising sectors, and shares advice for successfully establishing a professional life on the island.
Schools & studies
Agnès Palangian is deeply devoted to the world of education. With a degree in Educational Sciences and specialized training in Montessori pedagogy and Positive Discipline, she began her career teaching kindergarten and elementary school in France. In 2017, driven by a clear vision, she relocated to Mauritius to create a space where children could grow and learn in an environment rooted in joy, respect, and trust. This vision took shape in La Maison des Enfants, a preschool that embodies her core educational values. Her journey didn't stop there. Alongside her partner, Caroline Debiesme, Agnès went on to establish 1,2,3 Soleil, a daycare center, followed by Les Enfants du Soleil, an elementary school. Today, Agnès continues to cultivate a culture of kindness through her work as a trainer and consultant. Her insights into education are invaluable, and her unwavering dedication to respectful, positive pedagogy remains a source of inspiration.
Leisure
Marking a decade of rich melodies and meaningful encounters, the Mama Jaz festival dazzles with its artistic diversity and inviting atmosphere. In honor of its tenth anniversary, enjoy intimate interviews with the artists who illuminate its stages. Explore the passions and inspirations that fuel these exceptional talents, making Mama Jaz an essential destination for all music aficionados.
Work
If you have an innovative project, Mauritius could be a good choice to launch it. The destination has indeed become an increasingly attractive destination for expatriate entrepreneurs, offering not only a pleasant lifestyle, but also a supportive environment for start-ups to thrive. Incubators play a crucial role in fostering this favourable environment. Let's explore with Michel Cordani, Managing Director of incubator La Plage Factory, how the start-up ecosystem has evolved and why Mauritius is an appealing destination for expat entrepreneurs.
Work
The first day at a new job is always daunting. Stress, exhaustion, loneliness and nervous excitement are all common emotions but add on top of that, culture shock, language barriers and trying to settle your family into their new life abroad, it can all get overwhelming.
Schools & studies
Fred Swaniker is the man behind the African Leadership Academy in Johannesburg and ALU in Mauritius and Rwanda. Fred Swaniker speaks to Expat.com about the link between expatriation and entrepreneurship. He also talks about Africa's future leaders and the power of a diverse education, which engages, brings the students in the core of real life situations, and boosts entrepreneurial thinking.
Other Types
Everyday life
What can you expect when you move to Mauritius when it comes to the school holidays? This will vary depending on whether you opt for an international school or a local government school; if you choose an international school, it varies again based on whether it is a French-speaking school or an English-speaking school. Before we even look at what expats do during their school holidays you need to understand how schooling works in Mauritius.
Tax
If you live, work, invest, or are planning to relocate to Mauritius, the 2026-2027 Budget deserves your attention. Far from being a routine fiscal update, it marks a significant shift in the country's social and economic policies. From retirement and social contributions to taxation and property, several of the announced measures could directly impact your finances and future plans. Here's what they mean for expats in practical terms.
Work
From opening a startup's first international office in Dubai to scaling and selling a successful events-tech company before launching a new AI venture from Mauritius, Aymeric de Guerre has built his career around identifying opportunities and taking calculated risks. As the co-founder of Duodeal, he is rethinking how businesses create and deliver commercial proposals through artificial intelligence and interactive customer experiences. In this interview, he reflects on the milestones that shaped his entrepreneurial journey, the lessons he has drawn from working across international markets, and why he believes Mauritius has the potential to become a leading hub for innovation and startups.
Leisure
July promises to be especially lively in Mauritius despite the whims of Mother Nature. With a number of concerts, festivals, sporting competitions, electro nights, networking events, and outdoor gatherings, there will be something for everyone throughout the month. Whether you've just arrived or you're a regular on the local events scene, our selection will help you make the most of this month.
Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam unveiled Mauritius' 2026-2027 Budget on June 19 against a backdrop of improving economic indicators. Inflation has fallen to 3.7%, foreign exchange reserves have reached a record USD 10.3 billion, tourist arrivals exceeded 1.4 million in 2025, and GDP is expected to grow by 3.2%. While the government's priority is to restore public finances, it also aims to strengthen investment, job creation and long-term competitiveness. For expatriates, prospective residents, international students and foreign investors, the Budget sends a clear message: Mauritius is becoming more selective about who it welcomes, while offering new incentives to the talent, capital and expertise it hopes to attract. Here's what you need to know.
Work
In just a few years, Mauritius has built an entrepreneurial ecosystem that is visible, structured, and supported by serious public-private partnerships. But beneath this momentum, deep obstacles persist for expat entrepreneurs: a market too small to scale on one's own, funding that dries up at the worst moment, and a talent shortage that nobody had truly anticipated. An overview of a maturing ecosystem, and what it means for foreign entrepreneurs who have chosen Mauritius to grow their business.
Open a bank account that suits you
Discover the best international banks to manage your money securely.
"