On 13^th October 2022, the Economic Development Board (EDB) Mauritius in collaboration with KEPSA and other partners, hosted the Mauritius Business and Investment Forum in Nairobi. The forum aimed at enhancing business partnerships and investments between Kenya and Mauritius.

Present during the meeting were Hon David Osiany – Chief Administrative Secretary for the Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development; Ms Angela Ng'ang'a – Vice-Chair, KEPSA Economic Diplomacy Sector Board; Mr Hemraj Ramnial, CSK – Chair, EDB Mauritius; Mr Geerish Bucktowonsing - Director of Industry Sector, EDB Mauritius and other representatives of different organisations from both Kenya and Mauritius.

The investment forum presented an opportunity for potential investors to learn more about the new package of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives proposed by the Government of Mauritius that includes;

• The manufacturing sector and the general business environment in Mauritius, leverage the preferential trade agreements covering 70% of the world market.
• Mauritius is a member of COMESA and SADC thus presenting preferential market access to a number of Eastern and Southern Africa Counties.
• The strategic geographical location of the island, the multiple incentives and benefits for manufacturing in Mauritius
• Supportive infrastructure and robust financial sector

In his opening remarks, Mr Hemraj Ramnial noted that the initiative of the forum was to advance the regional inter-trade integration which is relevant to both Kenya and Mauritius. Mr Ramnial went on to outline the development strides made by the Island nation which has diversified into a broad base economy with manufacturing as its backbone.

"With the opportunities in the AfCFTA, I encourage you to reflect on the industry gaps, the emerging opportunities by embracing new technologies and expertise, the growth poll and the low-hanging fruits for the realization of meaningful partnerships, " said Mr Ramnial.

Over the last decade, Kenya has emerged as the major trading partner of Mauritius and in spite of being limited in natural resources, manufactures a range of products that are exported to multiple markets namely the USA, the UK, Europe and South Africa. The manufacturing sector is supported by a favourable business and investment environment and an open economy with a forte in industrialization a strong service and financial sector.

In her remarks, Ms Angela Ng'ang'a said that Kenya and Mauritius have a long history of friendship and trade cooperation hence the forum presented an opportunity for expanding the trade and investment relations. She also added that Kenya is a vital player in the East Africa Community (EAC) with a dominant economy that contributes approximately 50% of the region's GDP.

"We are excited to collaborate with our counterparts through investments expos and such forums where we can match businesses. We look forward to successful partnerships even as we remain committed to increasing the trade flow between our nations." She remarked.

The chief guest, Hon David Osiany noted that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provides an opportunity for African nations including Kenya and Mauritius to work out the potential and growth within Africa. "The currencies for achieving the success of AfCFTA are two; trust and integrity. We have to inculcate the very cherished culture of trust and integrity,". Hon Osiany noted while adding that Mauritius' robust financial sector is a testament to integrity as one of the foundational principles of growing the island of 1.3 million people.

The forum also featured B2B sessions where Kenyan businesses interacted with their Mauritius counterparts with the aim of securing trade and investment opportunities.