Mauritius gears up for transition to a Net-Zero Nature-Positive Economy

A one-day inception workshop focusing on the implementation of the “Accelerating the Transition to a Net-Zero Nature-Positive Economy in Mauritius” (NZNPA) project, was launched by the Minister of Industry, SME and Cooperatives, Mr Sayed Muhammad Aadil Ameer Meea, this morning in Port-Louis.

The project work plan, key activities, deliverables and associated implementation risks in achieving the set targets will be presented to the participants attending the workshop, including representatives of Ministries, the United Nations Environment Programme, private sector associations and manufacturing enterprises.

In his keynote address, Minister Ameer Meea highlighted that a net-zero nature-positive agenda is vital for industrial competitiveness, which is being redefined. He noted that buyers are increasingly looking at quality, delivery, traceability, resource efficiency, environmental impact, and the credibility of production systems.

The future of the sector, he said, lies in quality, reliability, innovation, niche manufacturing, and cleaner production. According to the Minister, the NZNPA project is poised to help the country build pathways that are realistic for enterprises and support work on energy and material efficiency, cleaner technologies, circularity, waste reduction, renewable energy uptake, and nature-positive action, as well as help create enabling conditions for investment.

Mr Ameer Meea furthermore indicated that Mauritius is implementing this project as part of a coordinated global platform, giving access to knowledge, partnerships, and lessons from other economies. He reassured that the country’s approach will be adapted to its specific scale, industrial structure, island reality, and constraints faced by local enterprises, with a focus on protecting natural capital.

The project aligns with the broader national direction on sustainable development, renewable energy, resilience and responsible growth, he added.

Reiterating Government’s intent to be a key facilitator, coordinator and partner, Minister Ameer Meea urged enterprises to embrace the transition toward sustainable practices. While acknowledging that this shift requires new practices, new investments and change in mindset, he underpinned the long-term benefits that include improved market access, reduced costs and a strengthened position for the Mauritian industry.

As for the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms Lisa Simrique Singh, she underlined that investing in nature-positive solutions, innovative approaches and circular practices will accelerate progress and boost global competitiveness for local industries. She stressed that this transition is critical for the manufacturing sector, given its high exposure to climate risks, energy dependence, and export pressures.

By adopting clean energy efficiency and circular production models, manufacturers can minimise waste, unlock green business opportunities, and sustain their competitive edge in the export market, she emphasised.

Accelerating the Transition to a Net-Zero Nature-Positive Economy in Mauritius

The NZNPA project is being implemented by the Ministry of Industry, SME and Cooperatives with the support of the Global Environment Facility and the United Nations Environment Programme. It will span over a period of four years, and aims at accelerating the implementation of net-zero pathways and promote large-scale investments in the manufacturing sector as well as establish enabling conditions to integrate nature-based solutions at national level.

25 May 2026

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Topics: Environment, Commerce