The Reality of Networking in Mauritius
Mauritius has a very family-oriented culture, so many people use networks to socialize with their friends, families, and close ones who are abroad . This dynamic completely shapes how you'll build your network here.
Mauritian networking bears no resemblance to Western-style professional speed-dating. Here, relationships are built around a three-hour dinner, not in a hotel lobby with name badges. Developing networks in Mauritius effectively happens through dinners and lunches with local representatives and clients .
Why the Mauritian Context Is Unique
Mauritius experienced 824% growth in Internet usage between 2000 and 2019, representing a penetration rate of approximately 70% of the total Mauritian population . But beware: this digital connectivity doesn't replace face-to-face interactions.
The Mauritian particularity? Building strong relationships is often paramount in Mauritian business culture, with personal connections and trust playing a significant role in creating long-term partnerships .
Real Tactics That Work
1. The Power of Established Organizations
The Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry, founded in 1850, is the oldest non-profit organization representing the private sector in Mauritius . It organizes regular networking events.
For Francophones, the Franco-Mauritian Chamber of Commerce and Industry organizes various networking events to strengthen bonds between its members, including a prestigious annual gala evening organized since 2006 .
2. Active Meetups and Community Groups
Round Table is an international organization of men who unite to make new friends, network, and exchange ideas , limited to ages 18-40. They organize 1-2 monthly meetings plus social events.
Toastmasters International offers public speaking clubs, particularly useful for expats wishing to improve their English while developing their communication skills . Clubs meet weekly for an hour.
For entrepreneurship: Coral Network Mauritius organizes a monthly meetup for entrepreneurs with an entry fee of Rs 800 .
3. Local Digital Platforms
Facebook, Meetup, and InterNations bring together expat communities that regularly organize social events, dinners, and sports activities .
A concrete example: The board game group organizes monthly evenings in Curepipe and Flic en Flac, free of charge . Simple, effective.
4. Volunteering as a Catalyst
Green Mission attracts expats sensitive to environmental issues through marine preservation projects, reforestation, and ecological education .
Volunteering for local charitable and non-profit organizations is a wonderful way to meet new people, give back to the community, and gain a deeper understanding of Mauritian society .
5. Regular Weekly Activities
Every Thursday at 7pm at Banana Beach Club: salsa, rock 'n' roll, swing organized by Maureen . Regularity creates natural connections.
Sports clubs are also strategic. The Sport Fishing Club, established in 1955, organizes social events throughout the year for members and their guests, known for their festive and friendly atmosphere .
6. The Hash House Harriers Experience
The Mauritius Hash House Harriers is an international social running and walking club known as "a drinking club with a running problem," where people of all ages meet for friendly runs, laughter, and post-run gatherings .
Free to attend, they meet twice a month and have other social activities as well such as campings, trips and catamaran trips, with a friendly mix of ages and backgrounds . All runs are documented in what they call the "Hash Trash" .
Cultural Codes to Respect
Trilingual Communication
Creole, the language of the local heart, instantly connects people; using Creole phrases can win smiles . Even a few words make a huge difference.
In business, French adds elegance and professionalism, ideal for written communications and official documents, while English, the universal business language, is common in presentations, contracts, and meetings .
Greeting Protocols Matter
The most common greeting is a handshake, and among close friends and family, a kiss on both cheeks is customary . When greeting elders, it is polite to address them as "Uncle" or "Auntie," even if they are not related to you .
You greet everyone in Mauritius - the stranger passing you on the street, the security guard you see ten times a day, it's part of the ritual .
Hierarchy and Respect
When meeting people for the first time, it is good to use titles when greeting them and to wear formal attire for every first meeting to show a certain level of respect .
Mauritian workplaces often present clear hierarchical structures, influenced by traditional social norms . Understanding this avoids missteps.
Patience in Negotiations
Negotiations in Mauritius often progress at a deliberate pace, reflecting the importance of building trust and understanding before reaching an agreement . First meetings focus on mutual acquaintance rather than immediate details.
Fatal Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake Mauritian businesses make on social networks is treating them as a place to advertise, not a place to connect . This principle also applies to personal networking.
Don't:
- Arrive with a prepared sales pitch
- Ignore invitations to "non-professional" social events
- Neglect follow-ups after a first meeting
- Stay only in your linguistic or cultural bubble
- Debate politics like you're on a talk show or make jokes about communities or ethnicity
The Strategic Calendar
Mauritius observes a significant number of public holidays throughout the year, reflecting its cultural and religious diversity . These periods impact networking:
- Diwali: prime time for connections with the Hindu community
- Christmas and Easter: periods when offices close or reduce hours
- Ramadan: avoid offering food or drinks during fasting
Planning your networking efforts around these dates shows respect and maximizes your opportunities.
Non-Conventional Networking Spots
Art galleries like IRISPHOTO.ART in Grand Baie regularly organize exhibition openings that become pretexts for networking in a refined cultural setting .
The Alliance Française de Maurice remains a pillar of Francophone cultural life, offering a library, exhibitions, international conferences, and shows , attracting both expats and cultured Mauritians.
Nightlife Networking Venues
Grand Bay is certainly a top pick for a night out, where the weekends are usually full of activities, offering a wide choice to night owls in an idyllic location with the sea being only a few meters away .
Banana Beach Club and Insomnia are local favorites in Grand Baie, drawing crowds of tourists and locals alike . Banana Beach Club is always buzzing with live music, flamboyant interiors and blinking neon lights, frequented by a hip and cheery crowd .
Flic en Flac is gradually catching up in terms of variety of pubs and clubs, and for those who want to meet with locals, going out in Flic en Flac would be a good opportunity .
The School Strategy for Families
The Mauritian education system with its quality schools offers an entry point for families to establish a social network, whether through school activities, events organized by parent associations, or extracurricular activities .
Encouraging your children to join sports, music, or art clubs expands the social circle of the whole family.
Mauritian Digital Networking
In Mauritius, approximately 90% of school-attending teenagers have Internet access and follow at least one online social network . Digital presence matters.
Social networks in Mauritius have a dynamism and effectiveness superior to many other popular destinations among expats; they are the pulse of community life and a faithful reflection of socialization opportunities available .
Facebook groups to join immediately:
- Expat.com Mauritius
- Networking groups specific to your industry
- Activity groups (hiking, diving, cooking)
The Role of Meals
Face-to-face networking sessions generally take place around a meal and are crucial for building a strong relationship with Mauritian associates and clients .
The typical Mauritian lunch lasts 1.5-2 hours, not 45 minutes. This is where real decisions are made and relationships solidify. Never rush a business meal.
Key Francophone Organizations
Maurice Accueil is an excellent network to meet specifically Francophones, with membership of approximately Rs 2,000/year , though it tends to attract a more senior population.
The CCIFM regularly organizes conferences, workshops, and events bringing together the economic actors of the island , essential for developing your business network.
The Frolic Formula for Newcomers
Frolic organizes free meetings once to twice a month: in the North with Avra from South Africa and in the West with their team from Belgium and India . Age profile tends to match the host .
For people who prefer active meetings: the community is organizing regular hikes you can join for free, with Anil organizing one hike every week .
Understanding Community Spirit
It's common to see locals volunteering at charity events, supporting cultural festivals, or lending a hand in small but impactful ways . Whether it's sharing a treasured family recipe, offering advice to a visitor, or giving someone a ride when transport is scarce, the kindness of the Mauritius people shines through .
This collective sense of unity and generosity reflects the island's multicultural roots, where cooperation and mutual respect have long been necessary for harmony .
Cultural Festival Participation
Mauritius is home to a diverse array of religious and cultural festivals, such as Diwali, Eid al-Fitr, and Chinese New Year, and attending these events can provide an excellent opportunity for meeting new people .
Mauritius is a kaleidoscope of festivals—religious, cultural, and family-based, and each one is a chance to meet people, but only if you participate, not just observe . The advice? Get involved by carrying a flower, ironing some clothes, or helping decorate a table .
Learning the Language of Connection
Creole is a language of the heart, not of perfection, and just a couple of clumsy phrases, spoken with a smile, earn you instant goodwill .
One expat shares: "It took me a while to start speaking, and I still make plenty of mistakes, but my Mauritian friends always appreciate the effort" .
Measuring Your Success
A strong Mauritian network isn't measured by the number of business cards collected. Real indicators:
- Are you invited to family events? (baptisms, weddings)
- Do you receive calls for informal advice?
- Do your contacts spontaneously introduce you to others?
- Are you included in relevant WhatsApp groups?
Building a social life in Mauritius can take time, especially if you're new to the island or adjusting to a different culture; being patient, persistent, and open to new experiences is essential.
The Winning Hybrid Approach
One of the main advantages of moving to Mauritius is the opportunity to build a strong professional network in a more relaxed setting than in the West .
The optimal strategy combines:
- 60% face-to-face interactions (meals, events, clubs)
- 30% digital networking (groups, local LinkedIn)
- 10% formal networking (chambers of commerce, conferences)
Be Patient and Genuine
To make friends and fully integrate into Mauritian society, it is essential to adopt an open and patient attitude, and by approaching each encounter with curiosity and respect, we make ourselves available to new friendships that will enrich the Mauritian experience .
A key aspect of making friends and networking with locals is being a good listener by paying attention to what people are saying, asking thoughtful questions, and showing empathy and understanding .
The Power of Small Gestures
Being mindful of cultural norms and customs is essential in making friends in Mauritius, such as avoiding discussing sensitive topics like religion and politics unless initiated by the locals .
Be open and approachable by smiling, making eye contact, and expressing genuine interest in the people you meet . This makes it easier for others to strike up conversation.
Practical Conclusion
Mauritian networking boils down to three principles:
- Authenticity: Mauritians detect opportunism from a kilometer away
- Regularity: Appearing once isn't enough; consistency builds trust
- Reciprocity: Always seek how to help before asking for help
By embracing the local culture, finding common interests, volunteering, and being open and approachable, you'll create lasting friendships and professional connections in this diverse and captivating island nation .
Start tomorrow: join a Facebook group, sign up for a Meetup event, and accept that lunch invitation you've been putting off. Your Mauritian network builds one contact at a time, one meal at a time, one authentic conversation at a time.
Quick Reference Guide
Best Areas for Networking:
- Grand Baie: nightlife, expat community, business networking
- Flic en Flac: local connections, beach clubs, mixed crowd
- Port Louis: business district, chambers of commerce
- Quatre Bornes: local Mauritian networking
Weekly Networking Opportunities:
- Thursday: Salsa at Banana Beach Club (7pm)
- Twice monthly: Hash House Harriers runs
- Monthly: Board game nights (Curepipe/Flic en Flac)
- Monthly: Frolic meetups (North & West)
- Monthly: Coral Network entrepreneurs meetup
Membership Organizations:
- Maurice Accueil: Rs 2,000/year (Francophone expats)
- InterNations: International expat network
- MCCI: Business networking (Chamber of Commerce)
- CCIFM: Franco-Mauritian business connections
Free Activities:
- Community hikes (weekly via Frolic)
- Hash House Harriers (twice monthly)
- Board game nights (monthly)
- Beach club events (various)
Remember: In Mauritius, your network is built through shared experiences, not LinkedIn connections. Show up, participate genuinely, and give the relationships time to develop naturally.