Reinvention on the edge of tomorrow

In a context marked by economic shifts and multiple crises, including climate change and geopolitical tensions, PwC Mauritius presents the findings of the PwC Mauritius CEO Survey, derived from the 28th edition of the Global CEO Survey.
This study explores how business leaders are navigating transformations within their organisations. The results showcased in this report highlight the resilience of Mauritian businesses and a growing awareness of the perceived constraints impacting their operations. Mauritian CEOs are optimistic about both local and global economic growth, with opportunities for continued progress ahead.
Among the key findings
Overall, there is a notable sense of optimism among CEOs in Mauritius, with confidence levels significantly higher than those observed in East Africa and globally, where a more cautious outlook prevails regarding the evolution of the local and global economies. This positive outlook is largely attributed to the extensive reinvention efforts underway in local companies, particularly their expansion into new sectors and industries.
Mauritian CEOs are optimistic about both their local and global economic growth. A significant 76% are confident in their territory’s economic growth, aligning with the 72% confidence level in East Africa. However, only 39% are extremely confident in their company’s revenue growth over the short-term (next 12 months), though this rises to 53% for the medium term (3-year outlook). Key concerns include a lack of skilled workers, inflation, and cyber risks.
Q: How do you believe economic growth (i.e., gross domestic product) will change, if at all, over the next 12 months in the global economy/your territory?
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A majority (63%) of Mauritian CEOs believe their companies will remain viable for more than a decade. However, these local CEOs are still pursuing aggressive action to reinvent their business models to compete in sectors or industries in which it hadn’t previously competed. While a large portion of companies in East Africa (50%) and globally (60%) have remained within their traditional sectors, Mauritius stands out for embracing diversification and innovation.
Q: In the last five years, has your company begun competing in any sectors or industries in which it hadn’t previously competed?
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Mauritian CEOs share a positive outlook on AI, believing it will enhance profitability within the next 12 months. Trust in AI is however moderate, with 39% expressing cautious trust and only 37% fully trusting it. This cautious approach is in congruence with global sentiments where the far-reaching potential benefits of AI increasing being recognised, but upskilling efforts still remains a challenge. Mauritius, in particular, is facing lower availability of workers with key skills.
The far-reaching benefits of AI are increasingly recognised in Mauritius. However, the rapid pace of technological change demands a focus on upskilling and robust governance. While not everyone needs to learn to code, employees at all levels, including CEOs, must understand and manage AI, data analytics, and related technologies. Strong governance frameworks are essential to ensure ethical AI use and mitigate risks. Businesses must take gradual steps before fully embracing AI’s potential.
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Environmental challenges such as floods, cyclones, and coastal erosion are prompting Mauritian businesses to rethink their strategies and focus on resilience, particularly in sectors like agriculture and tourism. Regulatory complexity continues to be a significant barrier for CEOs looking to initiate climate-friendly investments.
Regulatory complexity in sustainability and climate action is a global challenge, not just Mauritius' burden. While frameworks exist worldwide, standards are gradually converging. Environmental threats like floods, cyclones, and coastal erosion are pushing CEOs to adopt better sustainable resource management and disaster preparedness — becoming necessities in our changing climate
Download the PDF to read the full section on Sustainability
Anthony Leung Shing, ACA, CTA
EMA Deputy Regional Senior Partner, Country Senior Partner, PwC Mauritius
Tel: +230 404 5071
Olivier Rey
EMA Clients and Markets Leader, Assurance Partner, PwC Mauritius
Tel: +230 404 5145
Ariane Serret
Senior Manager, Regional (EMA) Clients & Markets, PwC Mauritius
Tel: +230 4045029