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By Gavin Butchart*
Mauritius has surpassed South Africa as the wealthiest country in Africa on the back of its many initiatives and policies to attract investors. According to the latest report by New World Wealth and AfrAsia Bank the average wealth per person (wealth per capita) in the country amounts to just over $30,000 as at June 2021, which is well above 2nd placed South Africa ($11,000).
Well before the release of this information, the interest from South Africans to relocate or visit the island was growing apace as is evident by more flights being added between SA and Mauritius by Air Mauritius and FlySafair introducing flights to the island from November.
According to the New World Wealth report, there are many reasons for this:
- Ease of doing business in the country – Mauritius ranks 1st in Africa and 13th worldwide in the World Bank’s 2020 Doing Business Report.
- Low taxes which encourage business formation and appeal to retirees. Notably, there is no inheritance tax or capital gains tax in Mauritius.
- Safety – Mauritius was recently rated by New World Wealth as the safest country in Africa, along with Namibia and Botswana. Notably, safety is one of the key drivers of wealth growth in a country.
- Strong HNWI growth – many wealthy individuals (HNWIs) have moved to this jurisdiction over the past decade. In addition, many locally born HNWIs have been created as the economy has grown. Mauritius is now home to around 4,400 HNWIs, compared to 2,500 HNWIs a decade ago.
- A fast-growing local financial services sector and stock market (SEMDEX).
- High per capita income levels. The World Bank officially classified Mauritius as a high-income country in July 2020.
The island has long been a popular destination for local holiday makers, but in the past five years has attracted a range of investors from SA. Some relocated businesses there, others invested in property – while not becoming permanent residents – and there is growing interest in residency options through investment.
The Ministry of Financial Services and Good Governance has also released a statement, that as at 21st October 2021, the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) has concluded that Mauritius would no longer by subject to increased ongoing monitoring by the FATF. This comes after Mauritius has significantly progressed in improving it AML/CFT regime. Mauritius has demonstrated their commitment to prioritise and fully implement the FATF action plan in both public sector institutions and private sector operators.
By the FATF recommendation, it is expected that EU shall remove Mauritius from its list of high-risk countries next week.
Mauritius immigration statistics for 2015 was 28,585 a 15.1% increase from 2010. As with many other policy initiatives, this is actively encouraged as the growth of the country demands more and more skilled people its low population growth cannot support.
New World Wealth’s growth projections for Mauritius are strong. The intelligence company expects Mauritius to experience wealth growth of 80% over the next decade (to 2030). This will make it one of the five fastest growing high-income markets in the world over this period, along with Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, and Malta. By 2030, HNWI numbers in Mauritius are expected to reach just over 7,800 compared to 4,400 currently.
Megan joined the Brenthurst Wealth team in March 2026 as an Administrative and Fiduciary Services Assistant at our Val de Vie Office in the Western Cape. Prior to joining Brenthurst, Megan gained three years of experience in the retail sector, where she developed management and client service skills.
I obtained my National Diploma in Financial Information Systems from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 1999 and have worked in the wealth management industry since January 2000. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience in various roles, including Portfolio Manager Assistant, Planner Assistant, and Paraplanner.
Esmarelda Isaacs-Andreas joined the Brenthurst Wealth Stellenbosch office in October 2025, taking on the dual role of Receptionist and Fiduciary Administrator.
I obtained my National Diploma in Financial Information Systems from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 1999 and have worked in the wealth management industry since January 2000. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience in various roles, including Portfolio Manager Assistant, Planner Assistant, and Paraplanner.
Ashley joined Brenthurst Wealth in January 2025 as Office Administrative Assistant and Receptionist for the Stellenbosch Office.
René Heystek joined Brenthurst Wealth in November 2023, as receptionist and administrative assistant in the newly established George/Garden Route office.
Michelle Heystek has built a career in the financial services over the last two decades, after obtaining her B.Com degree in Financial Management in 2005. Once she joined Brenthurst in 2006, she continued her academic journey, obtaining her Certificate in Wealth Management from INSETA in 2007, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning from the University of the Free State. In 2008, she earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation.
Anelle joined Brenthurst Wealth as a Receptionist and Administrative Assistant to Brian Butchart in the Cape Town office in December 2023. She has a wealth of knowledge from working as a liaison between Financial Advisers and clients at TMA and Absa Investment Management Services (Aims) since 1998. She obtained her B. com degree from the University of Port Elizabeth in 1997.
ADMITTED ATTORNEY | FINANCIAL PLANNER & HEAD OF BRENTHURST FOURWAYS
Sanet was appointed in April 2020, joining our Cape Town team as an Executive Administration Assistant to Renee Eagar. She has been in the financial services industry since 1990. Her previous experience includes positions at Sanlam, BJM and ABSA. She spent her last 12 years working at Alexander Forbes Private Client Wealth as a Senior Wealth Management Assistant. She has received numerous accolades over the years which include but not limited to, Alexander Forbes Client Service Excellence – Silver award in 2014,2015 and 2017. Sanet has also obtained her Certificate in Wealth Management (NQF 5) in 2012 and achieved “Best Student of the Year” from Moonstone.
Maria Smit is a Certified Financial Planner® with over 10 years of experience in the financial planning industry.
