Edits & Curated by
Vishal Bhidu
The Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Navin Ramgoolam, met on Friday, May 22 where several important decisions were taken, including participation at the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi, at the joint invitation of French President HE Mr Emmanuel Macron and Kenya’s President, HE Mr William Ruto.
The summit serves as a platform to showcase Africa’s innovation dynamics designed to spur exchanges and investment between Africa and France while at the same time, enhancing joint responses to challenges.
During his intervention at the Leaders’ Plenary on Peace and Security, the PM underscored the importance of counteracting mounting challenges facing the continent in the wake of the current geopolitical situation, where no country is left unscathed. He urged the need for an appropriate framework to address climate change, maritime security, financing of peace-keeping missions, cybersecurity issues, and to uphold the rule of law.
The Head of Government also co-chaired a Round Table on Blue Economy along with the President of the Republic of Senegal, HE Bassirou Diomaye Faye, where he stressed upon the significance of Mauritius as the co-chair, as a representative voice for African Small Island Developing States. He emphasised that the country represents a significant Ocean State where Oceans can no longer be construed solely as geographical space since they remain essential for energy transition, food security, and economic development.
PM Ramgoolam also called to ensure the sustainability of oceans and urged countries to the ratification of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Treaty in their domestic laws so as to enhance the governance framework of oceans, while at the same time informing the establishment of the Chagos Archipelago Marine Protected Area to protect the marine environment through international partnerships. The PM also urged for the Coalition of Ocean States, to be known as the Global Blue Belt Coalition, to jointly frame an appropriate roadmap to address challenges in the maritime realm.
Mobile Number Portability project to soon become reality
The Cabinet also took note of the status of the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) project, implemented by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority. The MNP is a system that enables the consumer to retain their existing mobile numbers when shifting from one service provider to another. It is internationally recognised as a mechanism that promotes competition between Mobile Network Operators, enhances consumer choice, and improves service quality in the telecommunications sector.
The implementation of the MNP is expected to make it easier for customers to switch between mobile operators, increase competition in the market, and encourage operators to innovate and constantly improve customer service.
National Fintech Strategy 2026-2030 to boost competitiveness
The upcoming launch and implementation of the roadmap of the Mauritius National Fintech Strategy 2026-2030, prepared with the technical support of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa was also noted, aiming to strengthen the jurisdiction’s competitiveness as a regional Fintech Hub to spur digital and financial transformation by deepening the adoption of fintech spanning across Government, businesses and households.
The National Fintech Strategy has proposed a slew of recommendations structured across pillars such as Regulatory Framework and Innovation; Digital Infrastructure and Cybersecurity Development; Talent and Skills Enhancement; Innovation, Investment and Market Development; and Financial Inclusion, Consumer Awareness and Protection, among others.
Inter-Ministerial Committee on AML/CFT makes progress
The Cabinet also took note of the fourth meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Anti-Money Laundering, Combatting the Financing of Terrorism and Countering Proliferation Financing, co-chaired by the Attorney-General and the Minister of Financial Services and Economic Planning. The committee reviewed progress in the preparation of the Mutual Evaluation exercise while it took note of progress made on several ongoing sectoral risk assessments.
MRA to host Regional Workshop on Building Intelligence Bases
Discussions also centred on the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) co-hosting a Regional Workshop on Building Intelligence Bases and Utilising Human Sources by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation from May 25-29. The workshop aims to support investigators and prosecutors with the skills to identify and effectively use multiple sources of intelligence to support criminal investigations and prosecutorial efforts.
Amendment to Public Holidays: Ganesh Chaturthi on September 15
The Cabinet took note of the amendment to the list of Public Holidays 2026, where Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 15 instead of Wednesday, September 16. This follows a request put forward by the Mauritius Marathi Mandali Federation, owing to a misinterpretation regarding September 16.
