Mauritius has been a model for sub-Saharan Africa in terms of its rapid growth and development. Much of the progress achieved can be linked to industrialization and industrial upgrading, from sugar to manufacturing and tourism to services and more recently, real estate. This chapter will focus on the development of the industrial hub of Mauritius, looking specifically at the industrial trajectory of the country and the path adopted towards industrial upgrading in key sectors. The chapter discusses the development of the textile industry within the Mauritius Export Processing Zone as well as the challenges in this sector and the gender dimensions of EPZ employment. The chapter also examines the upgrading strategies adopted, including some of the main hub developments such as the Ebène Cybercity and the JinFei special economic zone. It contends that while upgrading has been crucial for industrial survival, growth, and development in Mauritius, it has not been without cost.
Maturity of Real Estate Markets in Sub-Saharan Africa