Can the Mauritian economy bounce back swiftly after Covid-19 crisis?

Mauritius, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant tourism industry, has faced significant economic challenges in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Indian Ocean Island nation recently experienced a surge in new cases as it planned to fully reopen the travel sector, a key driver of the country's economic growth. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, Prem Sewpaul, a prominent Mauritian economic analyst, shed light on the impact of the pandemic on the country's economy and the efforts being made to navigate the uncertain road ahead. The Mauritian economy, heavily reliant on tourism, was dealt a severe blow with the initial lockdown in March 2020. Sewpaul highlighted that tourism contributes about one quarter of the Mauritian economy, amounting to approximately three billion US dollars and employing around 110,000 Mauritians. The first wave of the pandemic brought the tourism industry to a halt, leading to widespread economic repercussions. Despite restrictions and control measures that followed, Mauritius was able to gradually restart its economy. However, a second wave brought about new challenges, with the country facing a surge in COVID-19 cases. Sewpaul noted that Mauritius has adopted a stance of 'living with COVID-19' while prioritizing the safety of its citizens. The country has made significant strides in vaccination efforts, with a majority of the population having received both doses of the vaccine. The reopening of borders to international tourists has been a focal point for reviving the tourism sector, a key pillar of the Mauritian economy. While there is optimism about a full reopening in October, the government has taken a phased approach to ensure preparedness. Currently, resort tourism is allowed within 'bubble resorts' where tourists can enjoy leisure facilities without leaving the hotel premises. This serves as a prelude to the anticipated full reopening in October. To mitigate the risks associated with reopening, Mauritius is intensifying its vaccination campaign, aiming to have 80% of the population vaccinated by the time borders fully reopen. Various sectors, including health, education, and tourism, have implemented mandatory vaccination requirements for employees. The government has also allocated substantial resources to support the tourism sector, with a significant portion of GDP dedicated to assisting affected businesses and workers. As Mauritius navigates the economic challenges brought about by the pandemic, stakeholders across different sectors are working towards a common goal of revitalizing the economy and restoring stability. The road ahead remains uncertain, but with proactive measures and a concerted effort, Mauritius aims to bounce back from the impact of COVID-19 and return to a path of sustainable growth.