Feeding the Future: Mauritius’ Blueprint for Food Security and the Blue Economy

Question: How is Mauritius strengthening long-term food security while reducing dependence on imports?

Answer: Food security has become one of the defining priorities of Mauritius’ economic strategy. According to Arvin Boolell, the country is pursuing a long-term vision built around resilience, innovation and greater local production. “Our policy is to produce what we eat and eat what we produce,” Boolell says. Mauritius currently produces around 25% of its food requirements, with the remainder imported, and the government is focusing on strategic commodities, smarter agricultural systems and stronger regional partnerships rather than unrealistic self-sufficiency targets. “We are re-engineering our agricultural sector,” the minister explains. “Putting emphasis on precision agriculture and giving more accompanying measures to those who are in traditional agriculture.” Technology is becoming increasingly central to that transformation, with the ministry promoting hydroponics, vertical farming, drip irrigation, shade-house cultivation and drone-assisted precision spraying, while also investing in research, development and innovation. Mauritius is simultaneously encouraging economies of scale through land clustering and closer collaboration between farmers, research institutions and the private sector. The government is also working with regional partners including Madagascar and Réunion to strengthen food supply chains and agricultural cooperation. “Much is happening, much needs to be done,” Boolell says. “Agriculture is constantly changing and constantly on the move, and people have to adapt to those changes.”

Question: Why is the blue economy becoming such an important pillar of Mauritius’ development strategy?

Answer:  For Mauritius, the ocean is increasingly viewed as both an economic engine and a strategic national asset. With an Exclusive Economic Zone spanning approximately 2.2 million square kilometers, the country is positioning itself to expand fisheries, logistics, renewable energy and marine research. “The ocean economy is very important,” says Boolell. “Together with the fisheries sector, it may represent almost 11% of our GDP.” Mauritius has already established itself as a major player in global tuna processing and exports and is currently the third-largest exporter of tuna to Europe and the UK, supported by an advanced value-addition industry. “We are a net exporter of tuna,” Boolell says. “We are the third biggest exporter of tuna to Europe, to the UK.” The government is now looking beyond traditional fisheries towards aquaculture, seaweed cultivation, marine conservation and renewable ocean-based industries, while also strengthening efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing across the region. Boolell believes Mauritius’ geographic position offers a major strategic advantage as trade flows evolve across the Indian Ocean. “Mauritius will be the star and key of the Indian Ocean,” he says. “The potential for port development is massive.” The country is therefore investing in port infrastructure, cargo handling and maritime logistics to position itself as a regional gateway connecting Africa, Asia and international shipping routes.

Question: How is Mauritius adapting its agricultural and environmental policies to climate change?

Answer: As a small island developing state, Mauritius remains highly exposed to climate-related risks, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and ecosystem degradation. In response, the government is integrating climate resilience directly into agricultural and environmental policy. “We need to revisit policies and develop resilient strategies to protect farmers and to boost food supply,” Boolell says. The ministry is prioritizing climate-smart agriculture, sustainable water management, compost production, organic farming and ecosystem restoration, while coral rehabilitation, mangrove propagation and marine protected areas are also forming part of the country’s long-term environmental strategy. “We are putting emphasis now on what we call climate-smart agriculture,” he explains. “It has to be a pillar of long-term development.” Mauritius is also investing in technologies designed to improve productivity while reducing environmental impact, including precision irrigation systems and modern farming techniques adapted to changing climatic conditions. The government is simultaneously working to attract younger generations into agriculture through technology-led production models and innovation-driven farming systems. “Many youngsters are becoming more responsive to organic agriculture and precision agriculture,” Boolell says. “But whatever you do needs to have commercial value.”

Question: What is your long-term vision for Mauritius over the next decade?

Answer: Boolell believes Mauritius is entering a new phase of development in which agriculture, logistics, financial services and the blue economy become increasingly interconnected. The country is investing heavily in port infrastructure, cargo handling and ocean- related industries as it positions itself as a gateway between Africa and Asia. At the same time, Mauritius aims to strengthen its reputation as a stable, well-regulated and innovation-driven economy capable of attracting international investment. “Africa is the next frontier of development,” Boolell says. “Mauritius has to be showcased as a role model of democracy, peaceful coexistence and sustainable development.” The minister believes the country’s future competitiveness will depend on its ability to adapt continuously to changing global conditions while remaining focused on sustainability and long-term economic resilience. “We have to stay ahead of the curve,” he says, “because the only factor that remains constant in life is change, and you have to change for the better.”

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