Mauritius is taking concrete steps to strengthen its position as a regional leader in digital services. With the ICT sector contributing significantly to the national economy and export profile, the government is prioritizing improvements in trade data to support growth, inform policy and help digital entrepreneurs scale with greater precision and confidence.
The country’s ICT sector is no longer in the shadow of its tourism industry. In 2024, information and communication technology contributed Rs 33.9 billion, about $735.6 million, to the national economy, representing 5.6 percent of the total gross value added. As digital services grow in both scale and impact, policymakers are recognizing the need for reliable and timely trade data that can reflect this transformation and guide future planning. For local entrepreneurs operating in cloud services, fintech, digital platforms and AI solutions, these improvements are not just technical upgrades, they are critical tools for business growth.
ICT services have become the fifth-largest service export category for Mauritius, accounting for 5.2 percent of total service exports in 2023. This level surpasses pre-COVID-19 figures and reflects a renewed momentum in the digital sector. Yet, to fully harness this potential, Mauritius must overcome one key challenge: the lack of high-quality, detailed trade data. For businesses in this fast-moving sector, especially startups and SMEs, this gap makes it difficult to identify where market demand is rising, what trade policies affect their operations or which regions could offer the best return on investment.
One of the biggest hurdles in capturing accurate trade data lies in the complex nature of digital services. Transactions often span multiple borders, platforms and currencies. The traditional systems used for tracking trade in goods are ill-equipped to measure the value and direction of ICT services. This is especially true for digital entrepreneurs who serve international clients remotely, operate through cloud-based models or engage in digital finance.
To address this, Mauritius is working with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and key national institutions including the Bank of Mauritius, Statistics Mauritius, the Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation and the Economic Development Board. Together, these stakeholders are exploring new ways to collect and integrate trade data that reflects the modern realities of digital business.
A technical workshop held in mid-July 2025 brought together these institutions to strengthen collaboration and identify practical solutions. Discussions focused on data integration, improving trade survey methodologies, mapping modes of supply and better dissemination of results. The emphasis was not only on improving the accuracy of information but also on ensuring that the data collected serves real-world needs, particularly those of businesses operating in the ICT space.
Currently, the Bank of Mauritius relies on the International Transactions Reporting System (ITRS), a mechanism through which banks report on foreign exchange transactions. While the system provides regular data, it does not always offer clarity on the country of origin or destination of ICT services. As Satishingh Jugoo, Chief of the External Sector Statistics Section at the Bank, explained, financial flows are often misaligned with the actual location of clients or service providers. This issue is especially pronounced in digital services, where payments can be processed through third-party platforms or offshore intermediaries.
To improve this, the Bank is now exploring the feasibility of publishing bilateral trade data, something that remains rare in most African countries. Achieving this will require more detailed data collection and closer cooperation between central banks, national statistical offices and sector regulators. Many countries have adopted survey-based methods to complement bank-reported data, allowing for a more complete picture of service exports and imports.
Rajivsing Jeetoo, Programme Manager at the Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, emphasized the importance of collaborative approaches. He described the recent workshop as a space where institutions could share experiences and build common strategies.
Mauritius is also aligning its efforts with global statistical standards. The upcoming Balance of Payments Manual (BPM7), which includes new guidelines for digital transactions, is being adopted as part of this reform. BPM7 addresses emerging areas such as cloud computing, digital platforms and crypto-related activity, sectors that are increasingly relevant for Mauritian entrepreneurs. The ITC and the Bank of Mauritius are working together to ensure that the transition to BPM7 is smooth and that the country’s reporting systems can meet these new requirements.
Dooneshsingh Audit of the Bank of Mauritius welcomed the collaboration and confirmed the intention to continue beyond the current phase of the African Trade Observatory project. The Observatory, led by the African Union, implemented by ITC and funded by the European Union, aims to build more robust trade data systems across the continent. For Mauritius, this partnership offers not only technical expertise but also a chance to be part of a larger regional initiative focused on digital transformation and trade integration.
Better trade data will have direct benefits for Mauritius’ digital entrepreneurs. It will help them make informed decisions about where to focus their services, which regions to target for expansion and how to comply with different market regulations. Investors and development partners will also be able to assess sector performance more accurately, making it easier to direct funding and technical support where it is most needed.
As Mauritius prepares to implement its upcoming Digital Transformation Blueprint (2025–29), and continues with its 2025–26 budget agenda, the availability of reliable trade data will be critical. These national strategies prioritize artificial intelligence, digital public services, open data frameworks and a strong startup ecosystem. But to deliver on these ambitions, policymakers need access to accurate, timely insights and entrepreneurs need the visibility that only strong data can provide.
Mauritius’ investment in better ICT trade data is therefore more than a statistical improvement. It is a strategic step that places the country’s digital entrepreneurs at the center of economic planning and policy. By strengthening the data systems that reflect their work, Mauritius is building the foundation for a more connected, competitive and innovation-driven future.
