The United States has granted a two-year extension to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), with the US House of Representatives overwhelmingly approving the extension of AGOA until December 31, 2028. Prior to that, the Mauritius side has regularly participated in public hearings and submitted comments to the US authorities, reiterating the importance of AGOA, where it made two submissions in May and June 2026 to the Office of the US Trade Representative, reiterating its importance for the national socio-economic benefit and that of the wider Sub-Saharan African region as a whole. This was discussed by the Cabinet, chaired by PM Dr. Navin Ramgoolam on September 4.
It was also mentioned that Mauritius is committed to working in close collaboration with the US, designed to enhance bilateral and investment relations, maximise AGOS opportunities while promoting export diversification to benefit businesses.
The Cabinet also gave its assent to the lifting of the ban on the storage of bunker fuel in fish holds, on board foreign licensed and non-licensed fishing vessels (longliners) calling at Port Louis, where the prohibition led to several foreign fishing vessels shifting operations from Port Louis to competing regional ports offering storage of bunker fuel. It also led to a substantial reduction in the number of applications and fishing licences issued. To manage the potential associated risks, strict compliance and enhanced controls will be enhanced by foreign fishing vessels, among which holding a valid Protection and Indemnity Insurance with a minimum cover of USD5 million, including a sub-limit of not less than USD2 million covering wreck removal, oil pollution and fire liabilities.
The Minister of National Infrastructure recently participated in the sixth edition of the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA 2026) in Cape Town, South Africa, based on the theme “Collaborate, Integrate and Sustain: Shaping the Future of Municipal Infrastructure,” with discussions taking place on the promotion of resilient and inclusive communities, financially sustainable municipal services, housing, digital development and stronger public-private partnerships.
The SIDSSA 2026 spared no effort to help promote cross-border infrastructure projects, regional integration, trade and the exploration of blended public and private capital while emphasising the need to overcome trade barriers, strengthen supply chains, and create the conditions to step up regional trade and economic growth. The Minister also attended the Leaders Forum, which included ministers, where discussions hinged on strategic priorities as well as pressing infrastructure and developmental challenges in the African continent, encompassing climate change.
The Cabinet also noted that a slew of activities will unfurl for the 36th International Day of Older Persons on 01 October 2026 in recognition of the contributions of older persons to society and the challenges faced, where a national event will take place at the &J Auditorium, Phoenix, themed The Age of Longevity – Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives”, with emphasis on the launch of Intergenerational Solidarity Dialogues and Initiatives in Mauritius. The Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security and National Solidarity will also spearhead policies to the intention of providing the elderly with a secure environment, along with the young generation inherits a stable, ecologically sustainable, cohesive and inclusive nation. A workshop will also be organised on September 17 with the youth and students for a more elaborate discussion of the theme.
An agreement has also been inked between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia, to help boost cooperation in health care through the exchange of knowledge, expertise, capacity building, research collaboration and technical cooperation in the fields of primary healthcare, health promotion and community health development. The areas of collaboration include: health policy, planning and governance; prevention and management of non-communicable diseases; pandemic preparedness and emergency health response; digital health, artificial intelligence and health information systems; medical devices, health technologies and donation of equipment; and robotic surgery.
