This week in Mauritius, the government announced a salary increase, signed multiple agreements with France, and a new study assessed the country's efforts in combating climate change.
Pay raise for all employees
Finance Minister Renganaden Padayachy declared a significant pay raise for all employees on Thursday. Starting at the end of January 2024, this wage compensation ranges from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000, marking a substantial 10% increase in the base salary. The minimum wage will be raised to Rs 16,500, ensuring a minimum income of Rs 18,500. For instance, an employee earning Rs 16,000 will receive Rs 1,600 in compensation. Compensation will be capped at Rs 2,000 for those earning over Rs 20,000 monthly. This measure will take effect in January 2024, guaranteeing a minimum income of Rs 18,500 for all employees.
Mauritius-France agreements
Mauritius and France inked an agreement on sustainable water management. The ceremony, attended by French Minister Delegate Olivier Becht and Finance Minister Renganaden Padayachy, involved a public policy loan of 200 million euros in the water sector. This loan aims to align the country with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. Additionally, a memorandum of understanding outlines a 1.5 million euro grant for technical assistance to support Mauritius' Climate Agenda, striving for a 60% renewable energy mix and eliminating coal use by 2030. Two more agreements were signed, one focusing on a 500,000 euro grant for solid waste management and another on cooperation against trafficking between Reunion and Mauritius.
Mauritian carbon footprint
A recent study by Henley & Partners delves into the role of investment migration in building climate change resilience. The study evaluated 155 data points, ranking countries on their prosperity and performance against the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Mauritius ranks 26th in CO₂ emissions per capita at 0.29%, behind countries like France, Portugal, Malta, and Argentina. The Sustainable Development Goal Index 2023 gives Mauritius a score of 68 points, with Germany leading at 83.4 points.
