Introduction
Mauritius, a jewel in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and resilient economy. However, as global challenges like climate change, economic diversification, and technological disruption intensify, the nation must harness the creativity and energy of its youth to secure a prosperous future. Think Tank Mauritius emerges as a visionary platform to empower young Mauritians to ideate, innovate, and implement transformative projects that boost the economy, promote sustainability, and elevate Mauritius’ global standing. Inspired by existing initiatives like Jugaad’s think tank for sustainable urban development, Think Tank Mauritius focuses on youth-led innovation to address local and global challenges, positioning the nation as a beacon of progress.
This article explores the potential of Think Tank Mauritius, proposes ambitious project ideas for youth to develop, and reflects on the forward-thinking mindset needed to make Mauritius shine as a nation. By fostering collaboration, leveraging technology, and aligning with national priorities, Think Tank Mauritius aims to unlock the potential of the next generation to drive economic growth and sustainable development.
The Vision of Think Tank Mauritius
Think Tank Mauritius is envisioned as a dynamic, youth-driven platform that bridges creativity, technology, and policy to address Mauritius’ most pressing challenges. Unlike traditional think tanks focused solely on policy research, this initiative emphasizes actionable, scalable projects led by young innovators. It provides resources, mentorship, and access to global networks to empower youth to tackle issues like climate change, unemployment, and economic diversification. By fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, Think Tank Mauritius aims to transform Mauritius into a hub for sustainable technology and a model for small island developing states (SIDS).
The platform aligns with Mauritius’ national goals, including the Vision 2030 plan for economic diversification and the Mauritius Renewable Energy Agency’s target of 60% renewable energy by 2030. By engaging youth in these priorities, Think Tank Mauritius ensures that the nation’s future leaders are equipped to drive progress while preserving its cultural and environmental heritage.
Youth-Led Projects to Transform Mauritius
Zenes Morisien, avek zot bann talan divèrs ek zot bann nouvo fason panse, zot form baz Think Tank Moris. Platform-la ankouraz bann zenn inovater pou kolaboré lor bann proze ki adres bann defi lokal pandan ki li kree bann loportinite mondyal. Anba, ena sink lide proze anbisye ki’nn konseve pou bost lekonomi Morisien, empowere lazenes, ek pozisionn nasyon kouma enn lider mondyal.
1. Green Tech Incubator for Circular Economy Solutions
Project Overview: Establish a Green Tech Incubator to support youth-led startups developing circular economy solutions, such as biodegradable packaging and renewable energy technologies. Building on initiatives like the UNDP-GEF Small Grants Programme, which trains communities to replace single-use plastics, the incubator would provide funding, mentorship, and access to technologies like fibre-extracting machines to create eco-friendly products from local biomass (e.g., sugarcane bagasse or banana waste).
Economic Impact: By producing sustainable alternatives to plastics, Mauritius can reduce import dependency, create jobs, and tap into the growing global market for green products. Exporting biodegradable packaging could generate significant revenue and position Mauritius as a leader in sustainable innovation.
Youth Involvement: Young engineers, designers, and entrepreneurs can lead product development, from prototyping to market entry, gaining skills in green technology and business management.
2. Digital Skills Academy for the Blue Economy
Project Overview: Create a Digital Skills Academy focused on training youth in technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and Internet of Things (IoT) to support Mauritius’ blue economy. The academy would develop applications for sustainable fisheries, marine tourism, and ocean monitoring, aligning with the government’s Economic Development Board initiatives to promote ocean-based industries.
Economic Impact: By equipping youth with digital skills, Mauritius can attract investment in marine technology and create high-value jobs. Blockchain-based supply chain solutions for seafood exports, for example, could enhance transparency and boost trade.
Youth Involvement: Young coders and data scientists can develop apps for real-time ocean monitoring or tourism platforms, fostering innovation and employability.
3. Smart Agriculture Hubs for Climate-Resilient Farming
Project Overview: Develop Smart Agriculture Hubs where youth use IoT sensors, drones, and AI to optimize farming practices. These hubs would focus on climate-resilient crops, precision agriculture, and vertical farming to address food security and reduce reliance on imports.
Economic Impact: Increasing local food production could save millions in import costs annually while creating jobs in agtech. Exporting high-value crops like vanilla or organic produce could further boost the economy.
Youth Involvement: Young agronomists and tech enthusiasts can design and manage these hubs, gaining expertise in sustainable agriculture and technology.
4. Eco-Tourism Innovation Labs
Project Overview: Launch Eco-Tourism Innovation Labs to develop sustainable tourism experiences, such as virtual reality (VR) tours of Mauritius’ coral reefs or community-led ecotourism ventures. These labs would collaborate with local communities to preserve cultural and natural heritage while attracting eco-conscious tourists.
Economic Impact: Tourism accounts for a significant portion of Mauritius’ GDP. By diversifying offerings with sustainable, tech-driven experiences, the nation can attract high-spending tourists and create jobs in rural areas.
Youth Involvement: Young creatives, including graphic designers and VR developers, can craft immersive experiences, while others manage community partnerships.
5. Renewable Energy Microgrids for Rural Communities
Project Overview: Empower youth to design and implement solar-powered microgrids for rural areas, providing reliable electricity to underserved communities. These microgrids could power schools, health centers, and small businesses, supporting the Mauritius Renewable Energy Agency’s goals.
Economic Impact: Reliable energy access would stimulate rural economies, reduce energy costs, and attract investment in renewable energy infrastructure. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), off-grid solar solutions could create thousands of jobs in SIDS like Mauritius.
Youth Involvement: Young electrical engineers and project managers can lead the design, installation, and maintenance of microgrids, gaining technical and leadership skills.
A Thinker’s Mindset: Driving Mauritius Forward
To make Mauritius shine as a nation, Think Tank Mauritius encourages young innovators to adopt a forward-thinking mindset characterized by creativity, resilience, and global awareness. This mindset, inspired by the ethos of innovation and collaboration, emphasizes the following principles:
- Innovation as a Driver of Progress: Economies thrive on ideas that solve real-world problems. Youth must think beyond traditional industries and embrace technologies like AI, IoT, and renewable energy to create sustainable solutions.
- Sustainability as a Core Value: Mauritius’ natural beauty and biodiversity are its greatest assets. Projects must prioritize environmental preservation to ensure long-term prosperity.
- Global-Local Synergy: While addressing local challenges like unemployment and food security, youth-led projects should aim for global impact, positioning Mauritius as a leader in sustainability and innovation.
- Collaboration and Inclusivity: Think Tank Mauritius fosters partnerships between youth, government, private sector, and international organizations to maximize impact and resources.
By embracing this mindset, young Mauritians can transform challenges into opportunities, creating a future where the nation is celebrated for its innovation, resilience, and commitment to sustainability.
Making Mauritius Shine
The success of Think Tank Mauritius hinges on its ability to empower youth to lead with boldness and vision. By providing access to funding, mentorship, and global networks, the platform can turn these project ideas into reality. The Green Tech Incubator could make Mauritius a pioneer in circular economy solutions, while the Digital Skills Academy could position the nation as a hub for blue economy innovation. Smart Agriculture Hubs and Eco-Tourism Labs would strengthen food security and tourism, respectively, while renewable energy microgrids would empower rural communities and drive sustainable growth.
To realize this vision, Think Tank Mauritius must collaborate with stakeholders like the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council, the Economic Development Board, and international partners like the UNDP. Government support, including grants and tax incentives for youth-led startups, will be crucial. Additionally, engaging the diaspora and leveraging platforms like X to showcase Mauritius’ innovations can amplify the nation’s global presence.
Think Tank Mauritius is more than a platform; it is a movement to empower the nation’s youth to shape a future that is prosperous, sustainable, and globally recognized. By fostering innovation, embracing sustainability, and encouraging a forward-thinking mindset, Mauritius can overcome its challenges and shine as a model for small island nations. The proposed projects—ranging from green tech incubators to renewable energy microgrids—offer a blueprint for economic transformation and youth empowerment. As young Mauritians take the lead, the nation is poised to become a beacon of innovation, resilience, and progress, inspiring the world with its vision and achievements.
Think Tanks in Mauritius: Catalysts for Policy & Social Change
1. Mauritius Academy of Science and Technology (MAST)
Founded in 2007 by leading scientists, MAST operates as an independent think‑tank advising government, private sector, and the public on science, technology, innovation, and social sciences. With a membership of esteemed local and diaspora experts, it has published policy strategy papers on critical topics like food security, COVID‑19, STEM education, and science‑society interactions. MAST’s work bridges scientific dialogue and policymaking to support sustainable national development. Le Defi Media
2. Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC)
Governor under the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research, MRIC serves as the apex national body for research, innovation, and technology. It coordinates funding, policy development, and strategic partnerships across sectors such as ICT, health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability—endeavoring to accelerate Mauritius’ transition to a knowledge‑based economy. MOE
3. Think Mauritius
A civic-led platform established by civil society actors, Think Mauritius advocates democratic renewal and systemic reform. It has published several reports on electoral reform, transparency, education, and governance. Though independent from political parties, Think Mauritius aims to turn citizen engagement into constructive proposals and push for institutional changes like Freedom of Information laws and parliamentary oversight mechanisms. Le Mauricien
4. Mauritius Society Renewal (MSR)
Recently launched by civic leaders including Sheila Bunwaree, Roukaya Kasenally, and others, MSR promotes a vision of ethical, inclusive leadership and social renewal. It seeks to engage Mauritian citizens and the diaspora in reshaping national identity, governance, and development—addressing urgent issues such as inequality, youth disenfranchisement, and democratic reform through collective intelligence. Le Defi Media Group+lexpress.mu
5. Charles Telfair Centre (Think Tank)
Hosted within the Charles Telfair Campus, this forum gathers researchers, industry representatives, and policymakers to debate pressing economic and environmental challenges. Its inaugural roundtable in 2020 focused on COVID‑19 resilience in energy and food systems, with insights from local agricultural sector leaders and regional economists. Le Journal des Archipels
6. Environmental Advocacy & #Savetheblu
In December 2024, #Savetheblu convened a multistakeholder think tank on marine conservation at Tamarin. It assembled NGOs, scientists, artists, and community members to explore sustainable solutions for threats like coral bleaching, plastic pollution, and overfishing—and proposed frameworks for marine protected zones and community-based eco-education. lexpress.mu
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