Budget 2026-27 – Start-ups and SMEs: The GM opens the way to a new generation of entrepreneurs

The 2026-2027 Budget is banking on a start-up revolution in order to stimulate innovation, democratize the Mauritian economy and create an environment conducive to the emergence of new entrepreneurs.

The government aims to make Mauritius a fertile breeding ground for start-ups and innovation. The objective is to encourage the emergence of a new generation of entrepreneurs capable of transforming their ideas into businesses that create jobs and value.

To support this ambition, several structuring measures will be put in place. Among them are the adoption of a dedicated Start-Up Act, the creation of a hub within the future Côte d’Or Special Economic Zone, as well as the establishment of a Start-Up Council bringing together the public and private sectors in order to ensure the coordination of initiatives.

The government is also planning an acceleration program at the Economic Development Board, a digital patent management system and a working framework adapted to the realities of start-ups, inspired by international best practices. This strategy aims to strengthen the Mauritian entrepreneurial ecosystem and further consolidate the essential role of SMEs in the economic development of the country.

Ajay Beedassee from SME Chamber: “We had to focus on existing SMEs”

SME Chamber President Ajay Beedassee expresses reservations about the lack of targeted support for existing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). “It is good that several measures have been announced for start-ups, but there was a need to focus more on existing SMEs. . You have to find the right balance,” he emphasizes. According to him, the proposals made by the SME Chamber were not taken into consideration. “It’s a shame that of all the measures we proposed, none were adopted,” he laments.  “We had requested a ‘write-off’ of the loan linked to the Wage Assistance Scheme. Failing this, at least a moratorium should have been granted, but nothing has been announced,” he says.  He is also concerned about the overall economic context. “It is difficult for SMEs to progress. In recent years, there have been no major factory openings, but rather closures,” he observes.

Jean-Pierre Lim Kong, president of AMM: “Food security is based on a strong local productive base”

The Association of Mauritian Manufacturers (AMM) welcomes government guidelines on food safety. Its president, Jean-Pierre Lim Kong, underlines the importance of a structured approach: “National food security is based on a strong local productive base”. The AMM says it is ready to contribute to the objective of reaching 25% local production by 2035.  It also welcomes the extension of the investment tax credit until 2029, now including artificial intelligence and patents. “This is an encouraging signal to modernize our equipment and