The cyber tower is be a first step towards the cyber hub. The handing over of the Grand Master key to Chand Bhadain, the executive chairman of Business Parks of Mauritius Ltd (BPML) marked the technological turning point of the new challenge, which Mauritius has embarked on.

The prime minister, Paul Bérenger, pressed the point that Information and Communication technologies (ICT) will boost economic growth in Mauritius. “65% of the space has already been allocated. Twelve companies have either started operations or are busy with their fitting-out.”

Mauritius is expected to become an “intelligent island” where every family will soon own a computer and “will have one of its members working in the ICT sector.” The field should attract many young people; according to the prime minister there will be “some 2,000 Mauritian boys and girls in this high-tech exclusive environment by the end of the year.”

The building of the Cyber tower in Ebène could not have been completed without the essential support of India. First, through the financial backing of US$ 100 million donation from the Indian government. Then, through Vivek Gadgil, vice chairman of Larsen and Toubro and Mohan Das Saini, operations manager of Shapoorji Pallonji; this joint venture has allowed Mauritius to have a “majestic building” within 18 months. More than 1,500 people – most of them coming from India – have worked on the project for a total cost of Rs 1.5 billion.

India wishes to continue helping Mauritius in its way towards the cyber hub. The Indian high commissioner, Pripuran Singh Haer, introduced India as “the strategic partner of Mauritius in the ICT field.” With such encouraging signs, Mauritius cannot stop there.

The government already intends to build two more cyber cities in Rose-Belle and Goodlands: “Contracts will soon be allocated for the construction,” while the Cyber tower in Ebene is expected to have 100% occupation rate by the end of the year. More operators should be attracted by the Cyber tower and should come to Mauritius “looking for the right type of the accommodation for their ICT business.”

Engine of growth

The private sector is expected to help make Mauritius a cyber capital by setting up other “intelligent buildings” in the country either on their own or with foreign partners.

But the country must first find the necessary human resources to work in its cyber cities. The main problem the government has to face is the lack of a skilled workforce, which will all – or practically – be employed at the cyber tower in Ebène. The prime minister remains optimistic: “This will soon be a thing of the past.”

The government looks determined to make Mauritius become a cyber hub. Although the handing over was celebrated with great ceremony, the Cyber tower is not officially open yet. The government is waiting for Indian prime minister Manhoman Singh to officially launch the “next engine of growth.”