Mauritius Aims to Boost Food Security and Economy with Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ)

Strategic Insights -

A two-day technical workshop was held in Mauritius on February 16-17, 2022, to discuss the development of a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) in the country. The workshop was attended by the Attorney General, Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Mr. Maneesh Gobin, and a team of officers from the African Development Bank (AfDB). The SAPZ aims to strengthen food security, reduce wastage of perishable agricultural produce, and promote sustainable development in line with sustainable development goals and climate-smart agriculture.

Key Takeaways:

  • The SAPZ project is expected to cost approximately Rs 450 M and will provide opportunities for Mauritius to integrate into regional markets and leverage inter-African trade.
  • The project aims to increase production and competitiveness of the non-sugar sector (NSS) in Mauritius, with the AfDB having carried out an assessment of the NSS that recommended the setting up of a SAPZ.
  • The SAPZ will provide a dedicated zone for food processing, allowing for diversification, increased income for farmers, and reduced imports of processed food.
  • The Government has enlisted the participation of the World Bank for the sugar sector reform, the participation and technical assistance of the AfDB for the NSS, and the Food and Agriculture Organisation for the tea sector.
  • A consultative process towards implementation has been initiated, with all three reports submitted.
  • The country's reliance on the importation of processed food is a major issue, with 70,616 tonnes of vegetables, pulses, fruits, and nuts imported in 2019 for a total sum of Rs 2.5 billion.
  • The Minister emphasized the need for a concerted effort across all sectors to implement strategic reforms and implement the SAPZ.

Statistics:

  • Estimate of the SAPZ project cost: Rs 450 M
  • Imported tonnes of vegetables, pulses, fruits, and nuts in 2019: 70,616 tonnes
  • Total sum of imports in 2019: Rs 2.5 billion
  • Approximate amount spent on imported processed food in 2019: Rs 2.5 billion

Sources:

  • APO Group - "Mauritius aims to boost food security and economy with Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone"
  • African Development Bank (AfDB)
  • Republic of Mauritius
  • Mauritius Cane Industry Authority
  • Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security
  • World Bank
  • Food and Agriculture Organisation
  • Local Press (no specific reference)