The launch of the Côte d’Or Technopole, formerly known as the Côte d’Or Data Technology Park, coincides with the 7th anniversary of Landscope Mauritius. This project is the latest of several major developments by Landscope Mauritius, which manages assets worth Rs 26 billion.
The Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun; the Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, Dr Renganaden Padayachy; the Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Mr Darsanand Balgobin; the Chairman of Landscope Mauritius, Mr Preetam Boodhun; the Chief Executive Officer of Landscope Mauritius, Ms Naila Hanoomanjee; as well as other personalities were present.
Prime Minister Jugnauth recalled Government’s vision to foster further investment and job creation in the country. He highlighted the significant efforts of Landscope Mauritius in bringing the Technology Park to life. He also commended the Economic Development Board (EDB) for its unwavering determination in attracting investors to develop and operate in the Park.
He observed that nearly all zones in the Data Technology Park have been leased which bears testimony of the confidence of local and international businesses. This overwhelming response compelled Landscope Mauritius to include an additional extent of land in the Park and approval from the EDB has been obtained. This expansion will further enhance capability of the Park and attract global investments, he said.
Mr Jugnauth recalled that some Rs 1 billion has been invested in onsite infrastructure, creating an environment that fosters collaboration, cutting edge research and innovations, as well as being a catalyst for growth for emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Analytics and Block chain.
He also spoke about the robust growth of the Mauritian economy and highlighted that Rs 13,5 billion of Foreign Direct Investment have been registered during the first six months of 2023 as compared to Rs 10 billion last year. According to him, private investment will grow from Rs 90 billion in 2022 to Rs 109 billion in 2023. The economic growth rate is also expected to be above 7% this year, he pointed out. This, he added, demonstrates the robust growth of the economy and the resilience of the private sector.
The Head of Government also spoke about the law-and-order situation in the country and vehemently condemned all acts of violence. He reiterated his determination to not tolerate those who jeopardise the social peace of the country.
For his part, Mr Boodhun highlighted that the Côte d’Or Technopole, part of the Côte d’Or Smart City, is being developed on some 143 acres, roughly the size of the Ebène Cybercity. He added that Landscope Mauritius has undertaken extensive high-quality infrastructure works for this new business park. Ten buildings are already under construction, and the first operator, AVA Technopark, will begin operations in the Technopole in November 2023, he indicated. He also stated that the Park will house the new Headquarters of the Mauritius Revenue Authority.
As for Ms Hanoomanjee, she said that the Technopole will create a new economic hub in the Côte d’Or region, with operator investment estimated at Rs 25 billion. When fully operational, the Côte d’Or Technopole will be able to accommodate over 15,000 people. By June 2024, over Rs 4 billion will be invested in development projects, creating promising economic opportunities, she added.
She pointed out that 80% of the Park has already been leased to various economic operators. She underlined that the Côte d’Or Technopole will be home to a variety of projects, including a high-tech medical centre specialised high-tech operators; a state-of-the-art food technology centre featuring intelligent Research and Development and innovative techniques for food processing and other agritech initiatives; the development of an SME gas pedal, Bio-Tech projects, a Fintech Lab and office complex; offices focusing primarily on ICT operations; a data-driven solutions centre within the Deep Artificial Intelligence Centre; a digital transformation incubator; and a health and wellness centre, among others. Also planned are serviced apartments, an aparthotel, and a residential apartment project, she added.
