Leadership, Identity, and the Future of Mauritius with Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim
In this thought-provoking episode of Brown Business, Rajan Nazran sits down with one of Mauritius’ most iconic figures, Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim. A renowned biodiversity scientist and the first female President of Mauritius, Dr. Gurib-Fakim brings a unique blend of scientific acumen, political insight, and heartfelt conviction to the conversation. The episode journeys through her lived experiences and her vision for a more inclusive, sustainable, and forward-thinking Mauritius.
Dr. Gurib-Fakim begins by sharing her formative years in a small village, a melting pot of cultures where Muslims, Hindus, Christians, and people of various Indian linguistic backgrounds lived in harmony. From attending Catholic mass as a Muslim girl to celebrating Diwali with her Hindu neighbors and Eid with others, her childhood offered a vivid portrait of peaceful coexistence. She argues that this multicultural fabric forms the bedrock of Mauritius’ strength and global credibility, a point she emphasized during her presidency by initiating interfaith and intercultural dialogues.
The conversation delves into the challenges that threaten this harmony, particularly the rise of identity politics during election seasons. According to Dr. Gurib-Fakim, politicians often manipulate religious and ethnic identities to gain votes, undermining the very cohesion that makes Mauritius a model for the world.
As the discussion shifts towards economics, Dr. Gurib-Fakim provides a critical yet hopeful analysis of Mauritius’ economic trajectory. Once a sugarcane-dependent economy, Mauritius diversified strategically over decades, developing new pillars such as textile manufacturing, tourism, and financial services. However, she warns that the nation now stands at a crossroad. With the erosion of historical safety nets, like the EU sugar protocol and India’s Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, there is an urgent need to rethink Mauritius’ economic future.
One of her central concerns is the lack of long-term strategic vision. The brain drain, the threat of automation through AI, and the need to attract global talent pose serious challenges. Dr. Gurib-Fakim advocates for “brain circulation” instead of just brain gain, suggesting that Mauritius leverage its diaspora to return with skills and networks rather than simply emigrate permanently. She also calls for a greater institutional commitment to innovation, the green economy, and regional integration through mechanisms like the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
The conversation doesn’t shy away from hard truths. Dr. Gurib-Fakim notes the erosion of dialogue between Mauritius’ public and private sectors and warns against complacency. She emphasizes the need for institutions to work beyond five-year political cycles and for universities and research bodies to play a more central role in shaping policy. Vision 2030, Agenda 2063, and other international frameworks, she argues, should serve as meaningful benchmarks and not just buzzwords.
Addressing migration and the aspiration of youth, Dr. Gurib-Fakim passionately speaks about the importance of building meritocratic institutions that reward talent and offer equitable opportunities. For her, democracy is not just about voting; it’s about fair processes, functional institutions, and a system where people feel genuinely heard and valued. Drawing comparisons with Morocco and even China, she illustrates how institutional strength and inclusive planning can lead to lasting transformation.
In closing, Dr. Gurib-Fakim underscores Mauritius’ potential to serve as a global example of peaceful, multicultural living. She believes conversations like these, amplified through platforms such as the Global Indian Network, are essential to reconnecting diasporic communities and charting a more cohesive, visionary path forward. With candid insights, personal stories, and a global outlook, this episode is a compelling listen for anyone interested in leadership, identity, and the future of nations.
Produced by Global Indian Series for the Global Indian Network.
Script by Rajan Nazran
original idea: Rajan Nazran
Introduction music: (https://freesound.org/people/Timbre)
About Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim
Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim made history as the first female President of Mauritius, serving from 2015 to 2018. A distinguished scientist, she has made significant contributions to research, education, and biodiversity conservation. Before her presidency, she held leading academic and research positions, including Managing Director of the Centre International de Développement Pharmaceutique (CIDP) and Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Mauritius, where she also served as Dean of the Faculty of Science and Pro Vice Chancellor.
Dr. Gurib-Fakim began her academic journey with a BSc in Chemistry from the University of Surrey and earned her PhD in organic chemistry from the University of Exeter in 1987. Her early work involved leading a landmark regional research initiative on medicinal and aromatic plants under the Indian Ocean Commission. She later coordinated the ‘Indian Ocean University’ project, funded by the European Union.
Her expertise has been sought globally, contributing to high-level discussions on environmental and scientific issues organized by the World Bank, UN, and other international bodies. Between 2011 and 2013, she chaired the International Council for Scientific Union – Regional Office for Africa. She has also served on the board of Barclays Bank of Mauritius and co-founded the Pan African Association of African Medicinal Plants, contributing to the African Herbal Pharmacopoeia.
A prolific author and editor, Dr. Gurib-Fakim has produced 28 books and numerous scholarly articles. She holds fellowships from esteemed institutions including the Linnean Society of London and the African Academy of Sciences. Her accolades include the L’Oréal-UNESCO Prize for Women in Science and multiple honors from the governments of Mauritius and France. Through her scientific, academic, and political leadership, Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim has played a pivotal role in advancing science, education, and sustainable development across Africa and beyond.
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