PwC's 28th Annual Global CEO Survey: Mauritius Perspective

From resilience to reinvention

PwC's 28th Annual Global CEO Survey: Mauritius
  • Publication
  • 5 minute read
  • February 26, 2025

Beyond boundaries: A world of possibilities for the bold and ambitious

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 

76%

Mauritian CEOs are optimistic about both local (76%) and global growth, although concerns like labour shortages, inflation and cyber risks remain.

Economic Sentiment
63%

of Mauritian CEOs are confident in their companies' long-term viability and are aggressively pursuing reinvention strategies, including expansion into new sectors.

Business Model Reinvention
39%

Mauritian CEOs see AI as a key profitability driver but 39% of Mauritian CEOs indicated that they have moderate trust in AI while only 37% indicated that they trust it fully.

AI
No. 1

The number one reason Mauritian CEOs state as the main barrier for them not initiating climate-friendly investments is how complex the regulatory environment is.

Climate
Anthony Leung Shing

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.

Anthony Leung Shing, Deputy Regional Senior Partner for PwC Africa East Market Area and Country Senior Partner for PwC Mauritius

Economic sentiment

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?

Created with Highcharts 9.2.2PercentageNet DeclineStay the sameNet ImproveMauritiusGlobalEast Africa05101520253035404550556065707580859095100

Download the PDF to read the full section on Economic Sentiment

Business Model Reinvention

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?

Created with Highcharts 9.2.2PercentageYesNoDon't knowMauritiusGlobalEast Africa05101520253035404550556065707580859095100

Download the PDF to read the full section on Economic Sentiment

AI: Outlook, Trust and Adoption Expectations

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.

Jean-Pierre Young, Chief Innovation Officer, PwC Mauritius
Anthony Leung Shing

Download the PDF to read the full section on AI

Climate action cannot wait further

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.

Anthony Leung Shing

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

Julien Tyack, Sustainability Leader, PwC Mauritius

Download the PDF to read the full section on Sustainability

Contact us

Anthony Leung Shing, ACA, CTA

Anthony Leung Shing, ACA, CTA

EMA Deputy Regional Senior Partner, Country Senior Partner, PwC Mauritius

Tel: +230 404 5071

Olivier Rey

Olivier Rey

EMA Clients and Markets Leader, Assurance Partner, PwC Mauritius

Tel: +230 404 5145

Ariane Serret

Ariane Serret

Senior Manager, Regional (EMA) Clients & Markets, PwC Mauritius

Tel: +230 4045029

Nitin Cheeneebash

Nitin Cheeneebash

Press Relations, PwC Mauritius

Tel: +230 404 5066

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