Work in Mauritius: Build a Thriving Export Business

Mauritius is more than a tropical paradise—it’s a strategic business hub. Thanks to its location, stable economy, low taxes, and trade agreements with South Africa, Europe, Asia, and the USA, Mauritius is ideal for setting up export-driven businesses. Explore the top industries, learn why they succeed, and follow the steps to launch your own business in Mauritius.

Top Export Business Opportunities in Mauritius

Why it Works:
Textiles are a major Mauritian export, with South Africa alone importing nearly USD 200M worth in 2023. Duty-free access through SADC, AGOA, and EPA agreements adds major appeal.

Popular Exports:

  • High-quality garments

  • Knitwear

  • Organic/sustainable fashion

Key Advantages:

  • 8-year tax holiday for export manufacturing

  • Lower labor costs via Madagascar outsourcing

  • Growing demand in South Africa’s retail and eco-conscious markets

Why it Works:
Mauritius has a massive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) supporting seafood production. In 2023, the country exported USD 263M in fish products, with strong demand from South Africa and Madagascar.

Popular Exports:

  • Canned tuna

  • Frozen fish

  • Smoked or value-added seafood

Key Advantages:

  • Fast shipping to SA (just 3,099 km away)

  • 3% tax on export profits, 0% on dividends

  • No tariffs for EU/USA exports via trade agreements

Why it Works:
Mauritius ranks 4th in Africa for ICT development. With a tech-savvy, bilingual workforce and proximity to South Africa’s massive market, it’s a hotspot for digital exports.

Popular Exports:

  • Software & SaaS

  • IoT devices

  • Fintech platforms

Key Advantages:

  • Grants & tax holidays for startups

  • Affordable, skilled English/French-speaking talent

  • Stable infrastructure and strong connectivity

Why it Works:
South Africa’s expanding healthcare sector needs affordable, high-quality supplies—exactly what Mauritius provides.

Popular Exports:

  • Generic medicines

  • Gloves and PPE

  • Diagnostic test kits

Key Advantages:

  • 8-year tax holidays & duty-free imports on equipment

  • AfCFTA access to 54 African countries

  • WHO-aligned regulations for smoother exports

Why Mauritius is Ideal for Export Businesses

Strategic Trade Access

  • Duty-free entry to South Africa via SADC
  • Export globally via AfCFTA, AGOA, and EU trade deals

Low & Simple Taxes

  • 15% corporate tax (3% for export profits)
  • No capital gains tax or dividend withholding

Excellent Logistics

  • Freeport zone & Port Louis process 1M+ containers annually
  • Direct sea routes to Durban, South Africa (8–10 days)

Easy Business Setup

  • Ranked 13th worldwide for ease of doing business
  • Register a company in just 1–2 weeks

Lifestyle for Founders

  • Safe, multicultural island life
  • Relocate with an Occupation Permit and enjoy work-life balance

Steps to Launch Your Export Business in Mauritius

Choose Your Sector
Start with a high-growth export category: textiles, seafood, technology, or pharmaceuticals.
Register Your Company
Setup cost: USD 2,000–5,000 (No in-person visit required)
Apply for Business Permits
Occupation Permit (Investor): USD 50,000 investment
Export Permit: Includes HS code classification
Set Up Your Operations
Lease a Freeport facility or buy commercial property (open to foreigners)
Apply for Incentives
Tax holidays, startup grants, and trade benefits via the Economic Development Board (EDB)
Start Exporting
Use Mauritius' strategic shipping routes to reach South Africa and beyond

Start Your Export Journey Today

Mauritius is your launchpad to South Africa, Africa, and the world. With built-in tax perks, trade access, and low-cost setup, there’s never been a better time to build your business.