Landscope Mauritius officially inaugurated the ‘Côte d’Or Technopole’ on October 25, 2023, within the ‘Côte d’Or Smart City.’ This vast 143-acre development is poised to become a dynamic economic hub in the Côte d’Or region, with a substantial 25-billion-rupee investment from various operators. AVA Technopark, the first operator, is set to join in November 2023. Over 4 billion rupees will be invested in development projects by June 2024. The ‘Côte d’Or Technopole’ will host 15,000 individuals upon full operational capacity.
Mauritius Prime Minister, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, the guest of honor at the inauguration ceremony of the ‘Côte d’Or Technopole,’ unveiled the commemorative plaque for this urban development. He was accompanied by the Minister of Finance, Renganaden Padayachy, the Chairman of Landscope Mauritius, Preetam Boodhun, and the Chief Executive Officer of Landscope Mauritius, Naila Hanoomanjee. Pravind Jugnauth stated, “This marks the realization of my Government’s vision to encourage additional investment and job creation in our country. The establishment of a data technology powerhouse was indeed announced in the national budget 2020-2021, with the aim of fully integrating our country into an ultra-connected society in the modern world. Landscope Mauritius’ dedication and commitment have played a pivotal role in turning this dream into a reality.” He added, “The Data Technology Park will undoubtedly serve as the nucleus for this transformation, attracting top-tier talent, fostering entrepreneurship, and positioning Mauritius as a global technology hub.”
Prime Minister Jugnauth also highlighted that Mauritius has already witnessed a surge in foreign direct investment, with MUR Rs 13.5 billion registered in the first six months of 2023.
The ‘Côte d’Or Technopole,’ an integral part of the ‘Côte d’Or Smart City,’ is currently under development by Landscope Mauritius, covering a vast 143-acre area, which is approximately equivalent to the size of the Ebene Cybercity. Landscope has undertaken substantial infrastructure work for the establishment of this new business park. Several buildings are already in the construction phase, and AVA Technopark, the first operator, is scheduled to commence its operations in the Technopole in November 2023, with an initial investment of Rs 400 million.
Naila Hanoomanjee, CEO of Landscope (Mauritius) Ltd said: “The vision was to create an organization with strategically located assets that the Government can use as a tool to attract investors for economic development and growth and create jobs for the use of Mauritius. Landscope has been behind several projects, which have enabled economic development and growth, growth of FDI in the country and created jobs. The Government has also used Landscope’s experience in property, development and management in major flagship projects.”
The launch of the Côte d’Or Technopole, previously known as the Côte d’Or Data Technology Park, coincides with the 7th anniversary of Landscope Mauritius. This project represents the most recent addition to Landscope Mauritius’ portfolio of multiple significant developments, managing assets valued at Rs 26 billion.
The Technopole is expected to establish a fresh economic focal point within the Côte d’Or region, with an estimated investment of Rs 25 billion from various operators. Upon reaching full operational capacity, the ‘Côte d’Or Technopole’ will be capable of accommodating more than 15,000 individuals. By June 2024, over Rs 4 billion will be invested in development projects, thereby creating promising economic opportunities.
Preetam Boodhun, Chairperson, Landscope (Mauritius) Ltd said that more than 80% of the Park has been leased to various economic operators. The ‘Côte d’Or Technopole’ will host a diverse range of projects, including a high-tech medical center, specialized operators in cutting-edge technology, an advanced food technology center with smart R&D and innovative food processing techniques, as well as other agritech initiatives.
These encompass the development of an SME accelerator, Bio-Tech projects, a Fintech Lab, and office complexes primarily focusing on ICT operations. Additionally, there will be a data-driven solutions center within the Deep Artificial Intelligence Centre, a digital transformation incubator, a health and wellness center, and more. Plans also include serviced apartments, an aparthotel, and a residential apartment project.
All buildings within this Business Park will adhere to high environmental standards to optimize energy efficiency, water usage, and waste recycling. With this commitment to sustainability, the park is set to become a model of economic and sustainable development.
As a Smart City certified development, the ‘Côte d’Or Technopole’ offers an array of benefits to developers embarking on projects within its premises. These advantages include an 8-year income tax exemption, exemption from land transfer tax and registration duties, as well as customs duty exemptions on imports. Furthermore, there is the possibility of reclaiming VAT paid on real estate and equipment. These incentives make this Business Park an ideal choice for developers seeking to invest in sustainable and profitable projects.
The ‘Côte d’Or Technopole’ is an addition to the portfolio of business and industrial parks managed by Landscope Mauritius. The Tour Koenig industrial park, primarily catering to textile sector companies, was developed in 2003. The Ebene Cybercity, focused mainly on companies in the ICT and financial services sectors, was established in 2000. The Rose Belle Business Park was developed in 2005, and the Riche Terre Industrial Park, primarily serving logistics companies, was established in 2015.
Landscope Mauritius Ltd was established in 2016 following the merger of five public entities in the real estate sector, with its primary objective being the development of commercial and industrial parks. The company also manages a diverse portfolio of prime real estate properties spanning office and retail sectors.
In addition to the Côte d’Or Technopole, Landscope is currently involved in various projects, including the Côte d’Or Education and Health Hub, the Côte d’Or Administrative City, and La Valette Photovoltaic Farm, among others.
The Côte d’Or Education and Health Hub project will encompass an Ayush hospital, a new cardiac center, a national laboratory, a central warehouse for the Ministry of Health, as well as campuses for the Open University, the University of Technology, the Academy of Design and Innovation, and the Mauritius Institute of Education (MIE), along with various government education offices, among other facilities.
Furthermore, in the Côte d’Or region, the Academy of Disciplinary Forces project will feature integrated facilities and state-of-the-art technologies, adhering to modern training institution standards. This project, estimated at around Rs. 2.0 billion, is currently in development.
Landscope Mauritius’ portfolio encompasses 1.6 million square feet and includes the management of 3,000 acres and 500 tenants. Its revenue grew from Rs. 585 million in 2017 to reach Rs. 1 billion in 2023. Profits, which were Rs. 177 million in 2017, have surpassed the Rs. 1 billion mark in 2023. Landscope Mauritius made its debut in the Top 100 Companies in 2022.