By Shruti Menon Seeboo & Samantha Seewoosurrun
- Investments of more than Rs. 25 billion over time
- 4 billion in development until June 2024
- Start of activities of the first operator, AVA Technopark, in November 2023
- More than 15,000 people will work in the Technopole
Over the years, Mauritius’ infrasturcture boost for the economy has been widely lauded for. As the economy continues to accelerate in this path, Landscope (Mauritius) Ltd hosted the inaugural ceremony of the Côte d’Or Technopole (formerly known as Côte d’Or Data Technology Park) and 7th Anniversary of Landscope (Mauritius) Ltd on October 25 at the Côte d’Or Technopole. The Honourable Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius graced the function as Chief Guest in the presence of the Minister of Finance, the Honorable Dr. Renganaden Padayachy, the Chairman of Landscope (Mauritius), Mr. Preetam Boodhun, and the Chief Executive Officer of Landscope Mauritius, Ms. Naila Hanoomanjee.
The ‘Côte d’Or Technopole’, which is part of the ‘Côte d’Or Smart City’, is developed by Landscope (Mauritius) on more than 143 acres, which approximately corresponds to the size of the Cybercity of Ebene. Landscope has undertaken significant high-quality infrastructure works for this new business park. Several buildings are already under construction and the first operator, notably AVA Technopark, will begin its activities in the Technopole in November 2023. AVA Technopark’s investment for the development of its phase 1 amounts to Rs 400 million.
The launch of the Côte d’Or Technopole, previously known as the Côte d’Or Data Technology Park, coincides with the 7th anniversary of Landscope (Mauritius). This project is the most recent of multiple major developments by Landscope (Mauritius) which manages assets worth 26 billion rupees. The Technopole will create a new economic hub in the Côte d’Or region, with an investment by operators estimated at 25 billion rupees. When fully operational, the ‘Côte d’Or Technopole’ will be able to accommodate more than 15,000 people. By June 2024, more than 4 billion rupees will be invested in development projects, creating promising economic opportunities.
Lauding the efforts put into this project, at the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Jugnauth said, “This evening marks the materialisation of my Government’s vision to foster further investment and job creation in our country. The creation of a data technology power was infact announced in the national budget 2020-2021, with a view to fully integrate our country into an ultra connected society of the modern world. Landscope Mauritius’ dedication and commitment has been instrumental in making this dream a reality. The way forward for new industries and companies in the field of technical, scientific and innovative activities is all set. I would like to commend the Economic Development Board (EDB) for their unwavering determination to develop and operate in the park. Nearly all the zones in the Data Technology Park have been leased. This is testimony to the immense interest and confidence of local and international businesses. I have no doubt that this expansion will further enhance the capabilities of the product and ensure its success in attracting global investment. With nearly MUR Rs 1 billion invested on site infrastructure, you’re creating an environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and cutting-edge research. This will serve as a catalyst for the growth of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and big data analytics.”
He further explained, “The data diverge power forms an integral part of a region that is being transformed into a seamless play. The interconnectivity of these areas has created a synergy that promotes innovation, knowledge sharing and will bring high quality life for our citizens. Since 2015, Government has embarked on a journey to make smart leadership and to envision a future where emerging technologies drive our economy and power or people and improve our way of life. The Data Technology Park will undoubtedly serve as the nucleus for this transformation attracting top tier talent, fostering entrepreneurship and positioning Mauritius as a global technology hub. Through strategic partnerships, investments in research and development and a robust digital infrastructure, we will create an ecosystem that nurtures innovation and propels our nation forward. Government has also made substantial investments in infrastructure, recognising its sizeable role in driving economic growth. We are witnessing the transformation of our road networks and telecommunications, all aimed at enhancing connectivity and facilitating seamless movement of goods, services and we intend to extend the metro network in such a way as to connect the Data Technology Park with all towns and the City of Port Louis. This ambitious project will provide efficient and sustainable mobility options to our workforce and residents, stimulate economic activities and enhance the work life balance of our citizens.”
Prime Minister Jugnauth mentioned that Mauritius is already experiencing a surge in foreign direct investment with an impressive MUR Rs 13.5 billion registered in the first six months of 2023. Additionally, the private sector investment is expected to grow from MUR Rs 90 billion rupees to MUR Rs 109 billion this year. These figures and forecasts speak volumes about the strong foundation and good momentum of steady growth.
As he was concluding his statement, Prime Minister Jugnauth said, “I further believe that our economic growth rate is projected to be above 7% this year. Let us leverage on the power of technology to invest in human capital, constant strategic partnerships and pave the way for where innovation thrives and for prosperity.”
Giving an overview of Landscope Mauritius’ vision and key role here, Mrs Naila Hanoomanjee, CEO of Landscope (Mauritius) Ltd said: “The vision was to create an organisation with strategically located assets that Government can use as a tool to attract investors for economic development and growth and create jobs for the use of Mauritius. Landscope has been behind several projects, which have enabled economic development and growth, growth FDI in the country and created jobs. The Government has also used Landscope’s experience in property, development and management in major flagship projects.”
The ‘Côte d’Or Technopole’ will house a variety of projects, including a high-tech medicine center, specialized high-tech operators; a cutting-edge food technology center including smart R&D and innovative techniques for food processing and other agritech initiatives; the development of an SME accelerator, Bio-Tech projects, a Fintech Lab and an office complex; offices focused primarily on ICT operations; a center for data-driven solutions within the Deep Artificial Intelligence Centre; a digital transformation incubator; a health and wellness center, among others. Also planned are serviced apartments, an aparthotel and a residential apartment project.
All buildings in this Business Park will comply with high ecological standards to optimize energy efficiency, water use and waste recycling. With this commitment to sustainability, the park is intended to become a model of economic and sustainable development.
The ‘Côte d’Or Technopole’ is a major step in the development of Mauritius and will constitute a hub of innovation and technology. Landscope (Mauritius) is committed to creating a dynamic and innovative business environment in Mauritius, and the launch of the ‘Côte d’Or Technopole’ is a testament to this vision.
Benefiting from a Smart City Certificate, the ‘Côte d’Or Technopole’ offers a multitude of advantages to developers who develop projects there. These benefits include exemption from income tax for a period of 8 years, exemption from land transfer tax and registration fees, as well as exemptions from customs duties on imports. In addition, it is possible to recover VAT paid on real estate and capital goods. These advantages make this Business Park an ideal choice for developers seeking to invest in sustainable and profitable projects.
Mr Preetam Boodhun, Chairperson, Landscope (Mauritius) Ltd said, “It is a pleasure and privilege for me to welcome you all to the inaugural opening of the Cote d’Or Technopole. I am very proud to say that Landscope Mauritius was given this project. Today, more than 80% of the Park has been leased to various economic operators, which comprises of medical, business and a state-of-the-art technology centre, a semi-accelerator among others. The Cote d’Or Technopole will be a new economic hub in the region and it is expected to attract investment of more than MUR Rs 25 billion when all the projects are completed.”
The ‘Côte d’Or Technopole’ is an addition to the business and industrial parks already managed by Landscope (Mauritius). Indeed, the Tour Koenig industrial park, intended mainly for companies operating in the textile sector, was developed in 2003, Cybercity, Ebène, intended mainly for companies operating in ICT and financial services, was developed in 2000 , the Rose Belle business park was developed in 2005 and the Riche Terre industrial park, intended mainly for companies operating in logistics, was developed in 2015.
Ms. Hanoomanjee stated, “We have diversified our activities and our Iremia project at Cote D’Or was completely sold out on the first day of sale.” Iremia is a high quality residential morcellement project developed by Landscope (Mauritius) in a strategic, high potential location within minutes of the upcoming Côte d’Or Administrative City.
She added, “We are now developing a 10MW AC Solar Photovoltaic Farm at La Valette, Bambous in the district of Black River and we have just signed an agreement with the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) to construct a sealed HQ in Cote d’Or. I am pleased to say that Landscope has been able to establish itself as a major player in the real estate sector, and along with the Economic Development Board (EDB), it has become a key tool for the Government of our system to attract investors, create economic development, growth and employment. Going forward, we have been tasked with the Côte d’Or Technopole, Côte d’Or Education and Health Hub, Côte d’Or Administrative City and La Valette Photovoltaic Farm, among others.”
Among the projects in the Côte d’Or region, the Côte d’Or Education and Health Hub project will include an Ayush hospital, a new cardiac center, a national laboratory, a central warehouse for the Ministry of Health, as well as campuses from the Open University, the University of Technology, the Academy of Design and Innovation, and the Mauritius Institute of Education (MIE), the offices of the Ministry of Education among others.
Furthermore, and still in the Côte d’Or region, the Disciplinary Forces Academy project will be equipped with integrated facilities and cutting-edge technologies, meeting the standards of a modern training institution. This project, estimated at around Rs. 2.0 billion, is under development. The Landscope (Mauritius) portfolio amounts to 1.6 million square feet and has 3,000 acres and 500 tenants under its management. Its turnover increased from Rs. 585 million in 2017 to reach Rs 1 billion in 2023. Profits recorded in 2017 were of the order of Rs. 177 million and reached the mark of Rs 1 billion in 2023.
In her concluding note, Ms. Hanoomanjee said, “We want to seize this opportunity to thank all our clients, many of whom are here today. For their trust in us, our new partners, we hope that you can continue to see our vision turn into reality. Mauritius is still very young, you can count on us to work even higher to reach new heights.”
