Top 35 Small Business Ideas in Mauritius
Mauritius is quite a beautiful country that is developing at a fast pace right here in Africa.
Due to its resources, it is now a place for tourists and also businessmen and women looking forward to investing in its growing economy.
It is therefore important that we compile a list of the top 35 small business ideas and opportunities in Mauritius for anyone looking forward to exploring the development of the country.
One amazing factor to consider is the fact that the government has set an enabling environment where foreign investors can easily come into the country for business purposes.
These small business opportunities in Mauritius listed in this post today can literally be done by both indigenes and foreigners.
Doing business in Mauritius is great because of it enabling environment, such as good security, roads, power, and of course foods.
Yet some might wonder about the tax system in the country, the government has also made sure it tax systems are quite friendly to not just indigenes but also foreigners looking to start a business in the country.
Without any further ado, let go into the Small Business ideas in Mauritius which if done right would yield you a lot of returns.
Advantages of Doing Business in Mauritius: Small Business Ideas in Mauritius
1. Good Infrastructure
Mauritius’ infrastructure is well developed with reliable connections from one place to another.
2. Enticing Tax benefits
Whether you are a foreigner or a Mauritian citizen, you are bound to enjoy numerous tax benefits in Mauritius.
3. Skilled Labor
The Mauritian government has put effort into ensuring that its people get quality education in the country.
4. Stable Economy System
Mauritius’ economy has been thriving and stable for a long time — it is among the best in sub-Saharan Africa.
5. Peaceful Political scene
Mauritius is among the best democratic countries in Africa and has a peace index of 1.51. Mauritian people are also quite friendly and welcoming, and when it comes to the crime rate, it is among the lowest in the region.
Disadvantages of Doing Business In Mauritius: Small Business Ideas In Mauritius
1. Cultural Bias
Mauritians prefer formal business relations and are more concerned about the details than becoming friends with partners. Business cards, brochures, and price lists should be used, and be sure to be punctual in meetings.
2.Resolving Insolvency
Resolving insolvency is a similarly drawn-out process, taking 1.7 years to complete. The recovery rate is also quite low, although it is higher than in other economies in Sub-Saharan Africa.
3. Enforcing Contracts
It takes over two years to enforce contracts and requires navigating 36 procedures. Filing and service can take almost a month to complete before the lengthy judicial process can begin.
4. Trading Across Borders
As an island economy, international trade is a crucial component of business procedure.
The cost of exporting and importing goods is very cheap, although it can take some time for goods to move across borders.
5. Paying Taxes
Tax rates are very competitive in Mauritius, although they can be rather burdensome. There are seven payments to be made each year which take an average of 161 company hours to file.
Top 35 Small Business Ideas In Mauritius
1. Farming Business
Agriculture is another industry that is always booming in the country. The good thing is that you can choose from different farming options.
With the current growth in technology, farming is becoming continuously easy to manage and also cost-effective.
You can consider some of the profitable farming businesses such as chicken rearing for meat and egg, snails, fruit processing, flower exports, cattle for meat and milk, and vegetable processing.
It is definitely one of the most profitable small business idea in Mauritius.
2. Restaurants
In an economy domineered by tourism, you can never go wrong with a restaurant or any food trade.
You can start with a food cart, and this will not require huge capital. Make sure you diversify your menu to cater to everyone, including foreigners who would love to have a taste of their home country food once in a while.
Build your brand, and when you are ready, a restaurant would be a great small business idea in Mauritius.
3. Oil and lubrication Business
Another small business idea in Mauritius is Oil and Lubrication business. Oil and oil-based products are used in different sectors, including manufacturing and transportation.
This means that such products will always be required out there, making it a viable investment idea.
If you can import these products and repackage them into smaller cans, you can, for sure, make great profits.
4. Start a call center Business
As technology continues to advance, most consumers use the internet and smartphones to inquire before making a purchasing decision.
In this case, every company needs top-notch customer care services, so call center outsourcing is becoming popular in every company.
All you need to leverage this business opportunity in Mauritius is a few active telephones and a stable internet expensive.
5. Lunch services
Eating lunch from a restaurant every day for many employees is nearly impossible since it would be quite expensive, making it another great small business idea in Mauritius.
That said, if you can start a business of supplying different types of meals to people working in offices, it could be a great opportunity in Mauritius. You can either cook the food yourself or collaborate with local food sellers to deliver their food.
Corporates might hire you to provide lunch to their employees rather than cooking for them in the company.
6. Delivery services
The number 6th small business idea in Mauritius on our list is the Delivery service business.
Mauritius is a small island country, and most items are imported from different parts of the world.
This means that delivery services are always on demand. If you do not have a huge capital, you can start small by delivering groceries, books, or small electronics and electrical, among other things.
However, if you have more money, you can invest in a delivery truck(s) and deliver larger items to make good money from it.
All you need for this business opportunity is an office, an active telephone, and a few delivery employees.
7. Tourism venture
The tourism sector is one of the most thriving industries in the country, and it comes with different business opportunities for both locals and foreign investors.
The fact is that there are numerous fun activities, and every year tourists will flock to the country for a taste of the fun.
Now, what if you make their visit to the country stress-free and comfortable. You can provide sightseeing deals or offer accommodation through collaboration with resorts and hotels, and your entity will never lack customers — tourists and tourist attractions never go dry in Mauritius.
Take advantage of these small business idea in Mauritius, but before you start, set your records right with Mauritius Tourist Authority.
8. Internet provision
We are living in a digital world, and technology is driving everything. In this case, if you can start a business that provides an internet connection, it will thrive.
The first business option is an internet café whereby you set up some computers and other devices with a high-speed internet connection.
And even if some people rely on their laptops and smartphones for online services, they will still need you for some reason.
For instance, people who need a gaming PC or those who want to play multiplayer games will be your daily customers. Secondly, you can start the business of supplying the internet.
Internet service providers are a big deal in the country, and you can become one.
9. Roadside fast food
We have already said that you can never go wrong with any food entity. As long as you maintain cleanliness and offer various cuisines, you will make good profits despite starting small.
This is certainly one of the easiest small business idea in Mauritius you can start with little capital and get huge returns.
10. Providing office supplies
Most people working in offices have no time to go shopping for their stationery. And if you can take advantage of this problem, you start your small business today.
Think of all office accessories and then approach different local offices for tenders. Referrals will come in handy — just be patient.
Yet another great small business idea in Mauritius you can start with little to no capital and get quite some good returns from.
11. Website designing
With the steadfast growth in technology, people use the internet to do the shopping, and almost every company, including small businesses, is using it to drive traffic and increase sales.
In this case, if you understand website designing, SEO strategies, and online marketing, you are a business opportunity in Mauritius already — and the business idea is on demand.
This is certainly one of the easiest small business ideas in Mauritius you can start with little capital and get huge returns.
12. E-commerce
Internet trade is one of the most profitable businesses in Mauritius and all over the world.
The good thing is that you do not need to have a physical office. You can sell anything from your living room, home store, or whichever place you choose for your goods.
Sometimes you can make deals with producers or wholesalers to only go for items when you get orders, which means starting a business without stock at hand — but still make profits.
Just learn how to market your products online, and everything else will be good.
13. Tutoring
Tutoring is becoming more popular every day worldwide, and you can take advantage of it as a profitable business opportunity.
You can teach academics to your students or other soft skills such as music and get paid for it.
This is certainly one of the easiest small business ideas in Mauritius you can start with little capital and get huge returns.
Parents are always looking for ways to make sure their children get the best education, and you can offer these services both face-to-face or online.
14. Selling used items
People will always embrace any idea that allows them to spend less on something they need as long as it is in good condition.
This is certainly one of the easiest small business ideas in Mauritius you can start with little capital and get huge returns.
Selling second-hand products is a thriving investment idea in Mauritius, and you can make good profits from it.
You start your business small, ensure you have quality products, and focus on customer satisfaction.
15. Retail sale of palm oil
Unlock big profits by becoming a supplier of palm oil, a liquid used in large quantities in Mauritius.
Store the precious oil during peak hours and sell it during the offseason. However, first learn: where to buy, where to sell, how to store, and how to resell. Demand for palm oil can never fall in Mauritius and its profits too.
This is certainly one of the easiest small business ideas in Mauritius you can start with little capital and get huge returns.
All these low capital commercial companies have great potential and the ability to help you generate a stable income, and if done correctly, you could earn millions.
16. Gas refill
Almost all houses in Mauritius depend on cylinder gas for cooking, during pandemic lockdown; regular refilling of cylinder seemed to be problematic for many families.
You can think of making their life easier by refilling the cylinders and deliver those to their owners in exchange for a certain amount.
This business startup has big potential and can give you swift money in Mauritius. This is certainly one of the easiest small business opportunities in Mauritius you can start with little capital and get huge returns.
17. Online business advisory service
Rather than face to face client dealing, social distancing due to Covid-19 put the whole advisory business process online.
Additionally, the demand for expert consultancy and advice didn’t go down a bit. Whether new business initiations, personal motivations, health or educational consultancy, advisory services are running at its own pace in Mauritius.
In summary it is another profitable business idea in Mauritius for foreign investors as well as local corporate initiators.
This is certainly one of the easiest small business ideas in Mauritius you can start with little capital and get huge returns.
18. Software development firm
Software development firms initially struggled to stand still when the Corona affected major parts of the world.
This in Fact put a bitter impact on businesses in Mauritius too. However, most businesses throughout the world are now running remotely.
This is certainly one of the easiest small business ideas in Mauritius you can start with little capital and get huge returns. Businesses here demand better security and maintenance software.
This calls for a relevant business and you are welcome to initiate a software developing firm in Mauritius.
19. Auto Repair
Taking a car to the shop for even simple repairs can be a challenge. After all, most of us use our cars to get from place to place— that means taking a car in for repairs often either involves a long wait at the repair shop, renting a vehicle for the day, or coordinating a ride with a friend or spouse.
This is certainly one of the easiest small business ideas in Mauritius you can start with enough capital and get huge returns.
These options are both expensive and inconvenient.
20. Car Wash Services
One of the great small business ideas in Mauritius is mobile car wash services. It seems safe to say that many people would pay a premium for a mobile car wash that came to them, instead of having to drive across town to access a car wash.
This is especially true for people with upscale cars who prefer more personalized service.
As a mobile car wash and auto detailing service, you wouldn’t only benefit from the unique value proposition of being mobile, but you’d also avoid the significant overhead and startup cost of having a physical location.
21. Amusement Park
Mauritius being a tropical island, it will be a great idea for an entrepreneur or investor to start up an amusement park where tourist and indigenes can partake in various form of entertainment that is being provided in the process of doing this, you will make more money while entertaining your prospective clients.
This might be a bit capital intensive but the returns on investment? Is very rewarding and guarantees a decent income if this business idea is properly approached and well managed.
22. Beach Photographer
This is one of the feasible and viable small business ideas in Mauritius one can easily start.
Some tourists would love to have a picture of them taken for the purpose of creating memories they once had while visiting Mauritius.
23. Boat Rental business
Boat rental is a smart small business idea in Mauritius, that will likely generate you a good decent amount of money on a daily basis if you’re able to pull in more customers to your business through strategic advertisement and creation of awareness.
It is not rocket science, your success in the boat rental business depends on the maximum effort you put in so as to make sure you have a good amount of clientele base that will patronize your business.
You can start with two or three boats depending on the capital you have at hand.
24. Fresh fruit shop
Fresh fruit shop can easily be set up near a beach in Mauritius.
You can connect or partner with some of the local farmers in Mauritius so as to know where you can get some supplies for various fresh fruits for your venture.
25. Fishing supply store
Some people who do visit the beach might want to go fishing, and also the need for fishing equipments is inevitable.
As an entrepreneur, you can set up a store where you sell fishing equipment such as rod&reel, tackle, bait, sharp knife, bucket, small first aid kit, and so on.
26. Beach wears shop
You can easily set up a boutique within the city or nearby beach where you sell beach wears to your interested customers.
27. Craft making business
Crafting making is a very feasible small business idea in Mauritius to kick start inasmuch that tourists will need to make a purchase of handcrafted products when paying a visit to another country.
28. Wedding service
Basically, most couples do love to have a low-key wedding on a beach located in another country.
So as to feel the free gift of nature, have a nice view of the sea while they partake in their marriage rites.
Get yourself acquainted with someone who is already in this line of business whether if you’re a Mauritian or a foreigner, so as to have the proper knowledge of how wedding service is being managed.
29. Juice Bar
One can start up a juice bar near the beach right here in Mauritius. Just make sure you have the best-processed fruit juice drinks to provide for your ideal customers.
The juice bar doesn’t require too much capital to set up. Great customer service is what can retain you in this business for a very long time.
30. Coffee cafe
Starting a coffee cafe business will be a very rewarding experience for you as an entrepreneur. Because a quite large number of tourists and indigenes would love to have a great conversation in Mauritius.
All you have to do is to set up a coffee cafe in a very busy location that has high traffic footage. A good business plan and model are the first things you need to consider before launching your business.
31. Set up a wine store
You can either be a wholesaler or retailer of various kinds of wine in Mauritius. One thing for sure that will guarantee you decent returns is that if you can outsource where you can get various wine products at discounted prices and later resell higher for maximum profit then you are on your way to making a good amount of money as long as your business is being situated in a very good location or commercial city.
32. Travel Agency
As a travel agent, you can walk tourists through how to spend their holiday wisely and at an affordable cost so they wouldn’t be too extravagant while spending in Mauritius.
You can start a travel agency in Mauritius, just make sure you are in good times with the rules and laws governing Mauritius authority.
33. Taxi Services
The transportation business can never vanish into thin air as long as human beings are concerned. An entrepreneur or investor who is looking to starting a business in Mauritius might want to consider starting his or her own taxi company where you make the mobility of people and goods very easy here in Mauritius.
Also make sure you go through the proper paperwork process, from obtaining a license to the incorporation of your business entity.
34. Laundry service
Most tourists who visit Mauritius will have little to no time to keep their unkempt clothes clean. For them to make things easier for themselves, they patronize a laundry service that will give their clothes the best wash and pay them for the service rendered.
35. Jet Skiing Service
In a tropical island like Mauritius, setting up a Jet Skiing service is considered to be a very lucrative and profitable business but requires a huge amount of capital, a good business plan, and strategic advertisement.
In Conclusion: Top 35 Small Business Ideas in Mauritius
The above listed small business ideas in Mauritius can be done by both indigenes and foreigners.
All you need to do is make more research on any business you want to start and see yourself make a good profit from it.
More than three decades ago, Mauritius was known for sugar production, which dominated the country’s economy.
However, today the country has grown into a diversified and sophisticated economy, whereby the tertiary industry accounts for more than 70 percent of GDP.
This growth and positive change in the Mauritian economy is all thanks to the unique and friendly business environment created by the government to attract local investors and foreigners.
Hence, the ball is in your court to pick any small business ideas in Mauritius listed above and make huge returns. Cheers!
