What is a Smart City in Mauritius?

Smart land development is a common issue for large cities in order to address the challenges posed by growing urbanisation (pollution, overpopulation, traffic congestion, etc.). Mauritius is no exception. The country has an intrinsically limited surface area and one of the highest geographical densities in Africa. The goal is therefore to achieve a sustainable and healthy development.

The smart city concept in Mauritius

This led to the emergence in 2015 of the Smart City Scheme, designed by the Economic Development Board with the support of the Government of Mauritius. The aim is to develop well-thought-out and qualitative urban environments that harness innovation and urban planning to work for all users and residents, thus reducing the amount of travel and traffic congestion across the island. Major guiding principles were consequently established, giving Moka the inspiration to carry out an integrated development in the heart of the island:

The development of comprehensive living spaces

Smart cities are underpinned by the idea of providing “Live, Work & Play” opportunities within close vicinity. Their long-term development must include components that enable the combination and optimum enjoyment of these three life pillars within a single environment. Smart cities therefore offer a fulfilling living environment comprising offices, common green areas and sport facilities as well as dedicated areas for commercial, residential, educational or healthcare purposes.

Moka, for example, is developing neighbourhoods that offer residents and users a range of daily services and conveniences in order to promote dynamic lifestyles. Les Allées d’Helvétia is a family-friendly village designed to offer a pleasant and convenient everyday life. The residential area sits next to a fully equipped sports centre, three schools (from kindergarten to secondary level), a shopping centre and a wellness area with 15 therapists. This cosmopolitan neighbourhood with a human soul thus offers a qualitative and comprehensive living environment.

Sustainable development in Mauritius

Smart cities like Moka mobilise innovation for sustainable development in order to improve our quality of life while better protecting our island’s natural resources. Thus, the city of tomorrow invites us to change behaviour towards a healthier and more responsible lifestyle.

For example, they allow us to leave our cars at home and use public transport or soft mobility (on foot or by bike using La Promenade, which has been developed for this purpose). They also improve energy efficiency in new buildings.

There are many such projects in Moka, which calls for  environmental responsibility. Photovoltaic farms already supply enough electricity to power the equivalent of over 2,000 households, a 10-acre urban park will be created in the heart of the island, household waste is being sorted and recycled, illustrating our belief that well-being and respect for nature go hand in hand!

Supporting our local economy

Smart cities promote innovation to support our country’s competitiveness. They open up Mauritius to the world through targeted economic activities that encourage the inflow of foreign capital and affirm Mauritius as a leading financial centre and investment platform for economic growth.

This commitment is key for Moka Smart City, which seeks to attract international corporations and brands to provide economic and social opportunities. This involves the development of quality infrastructure as well as new centres of business activity and excellence. Finally, the growing number of tertiary, medical and financial hubs in Telfair, showrooms and offices in L’Avenir, company headquarters at Vivéa, among others, contribute to creating a favourable ecosystem for all types of businesses to grow and prosper.

Citizen engagement

Finally, a city must above all be designed for its inhabitants and everyday users. Smart cities have the role and duty to adapt to the expectations of their citizens, increase opportunities for everyone and become spaces for interaction and dialogue.

Moka is committed to being an open and responsive city by facilitating engagement between its communities and public authorities. The Moka’mwad collective, for example, brings together the city’s residents by incorporating their needs and wishes into building the community life of the future. It thus actively participates in improving the quality of life in Moka. It acts as an energiser, catalyst and curator of the city through the activities that it co-organises!

Smart cities in Mauritius, an investment with great benefits

In addition to the lifestyle benefits provided to Mauritian citizens and residents, the Smart City Scheme provides a great opportunity for investors looking for long-term projects to diversify and grow their assets.

The freehold residential units, office space, commercial and serviced plots available are accessible to both local and foreign buyers. While local buyers enjoy a range of incentives (such as registration fee exemption up to Rs 200,000 for first-time buyers), foreign investors are eligible for a permanent residence permit in Mauritius for any investment in excess of $375,000 as well as attractive tax benefits.

City smarting to sustainably improve everyone’s quality of life

Moka’s development is based on the enduring principle that the city has a duty to continuously adapt to its citizens: this concept is known as city smarting. The city must create new developments using the latest technological advances once it reaches a critical mass.

Moka’s developments over almost fifteen years has stemmed from this flexible improvement process. The city was able to speed up the pace of its responsible, continuous and innovative development as well as further the ambitions of the region after receiving a Smart City Certificate in 2017. The EDB’s approval was received in 2020 to double the city’s surface area, leading the way towards the region’s sustainable, high value-added development.

In a matter of years, Moka has grown from an agricultural village to the leading smart city in Mauritius.

We will keep you posted on future developments!