A delegation from the Mahindra Consulting Engineers (MACE) Ltd are currently in Mauritius from 04 April to 12 April 2023 to provide consulting services in view to carry out a Feasibility Study and Development of a Plan for the setting up of a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) project in Mauritius. In this context, the MACE team met the Attorney General, Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Mr Maneesh Gobin, on Friday 07 April at the seat of his Ministry in Port Louis.

The overall objective of creating and implementing a SAPZ is to provide a conducive environment so as to attract private investors and empower entrepreneurs including youth and women in processing and value addition to agricultural produce.

The SAPZ will help to contribute to the country’s economic growth and development; achieve nutritional and food security; minimise wastage of agricultural produce; import substitution; employment generation; and boost trade inclusively and sustainably.

The project is in line with the vision of the Government of Mauritius to transform the non-sugar sector into a diversified, competitive agro-processing industry and provide job opportunities for the youth and enhance the island’s resilience to food crisis associated with COVID-19 and climate change by 2030.

It is to be noted that the African Development Bank has approved a grant to the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security to cover the cost of recruiting a Consulting Firm to set up a SAPZ project in Mauritius.

The MACE Ltd has the responsibility to undertake a full Feasibility Study and Master Plans for the Mauritius’ SAPZ; to present a Feasibility Reports and Master Plans to Government and Stakeholders; and to provide technical assistance on project coordination and management.