Mauritus Billionaires: Meet The 10 Richest Men In Mauritius
Hey fam! Let’s take a quick break from the hustle and dive into the world of the ultra-wealthy. But not just any rich list—today, we’re going all the way to the sunny paradise of Mauritius. Yes, that tiny island nation in the Indian Ocean you always see on postcards. Turns out, it’s not just a tourist destination; it’s home to some seriously loaded business moguls too.
Now, before you get excited and start planning your move there, let me give you the gist—Mauritius doesn’t have any US-dollar billionaires (yet), but trust me, the millionaires there are not playing. These guys control everything from banking to real estate to chicken (yes, poultry is a big deal over there). So buckle up as I walk you through the top 10 richest men in Mauritius and how they made their millions—no, billions of Mauritian Rupees.
1. Arnaud Lagesse & Family – The IBL Boss
Coming in hot at number one is Arnaud Lagesse, the big man behind IBL Group, Mauritius’s largest conglomerate. If there was a Monopoly board for the island, this guy would own half of it.
IBL Group is into almost everything: logistics, hospitality, seafood, real estate, finance, you name it. Their annual revenue is dancing around $900 million. Arnaud and his family own about 16.8% of IBL—which means their slice alone is valued at roughly $130 million. And yes, that’s real money, not Monopoly notes.
Arnaud isn’t just enjoying wealth; he’s creating it, investing in diverse sectors that keep the Mauritian economy buzzing. Respect!
2. Desmond de Beer – Property Prince
If you think real estate in Lagos is tough, try competing with Desmond de Beer in Mauritius. This guy is all about property, property, and more property.
He’s the founding brain behind Resilient REIT and has a hefty 13.7% stake in Lighthouse Capital, a property investment giant. That chunk alone is worth around $80 million.
Desmond knows where to put his money, and trust me, it’s not under his mattress. He’s turned real estate into a goldmine, and he’s reaping the benefits.
3. Raymond Ah-Chuen – ABC of Wealth
Chairman of ABC Group? Check. Descendant of a family business that started in 1931? Check. One of the most respected business tycoons on the island? Double check.
Raymond Ah-Chuen has taken the family legacy and transformed it into a powerhouse that covers everything from banking to shipping to—you guessed it—car sales. The company has over 1,300 staff and dominates several sectors.
Let’s just say if you’re doing business in Mauritius and don’t bump into an Ah-Chuen brand, you’re probably doing it wrong.
4. Bashir Currimjee & Family – Telecom & Beyond
Bashir Currimjee is from one of those families that practically helped build Mauritius. Their business roots date back to the 1890s, and today, the Currimjee Group is a major player in telecom, media, real estate, hospitality, and even energy.
They own Emtel, the second-largest telecom provider in Mauritius. Imagine owning the MTN or Glo of a whole country. The Currimjee family is living that dream.
5. Hector Espitalier-Noël – Mall Mogul & Agro King
Hector is the kind of guy you invite to a business forum if you want to be inspired. He’s the CEO of ENL Group, and trust me, these guys don’t play small.
ENL is everywhere: agriculture, malls (like the famous Bagatelle Mall), finance, logistics, hospitality. They had a revenue of about Rs 20.9 billion and a profit of Rs 3 billion in 2023. That’s not just big money; it’s smart money.
Hector’s leadership has transformed ENL into a conglomerate that’s shaping Mauritius one shopping mall at a time.
6. Arnaud Dalais – The CIEL Visionary
Another Arnaud, but this one is the captain of CIEL Group—a 100-year-old conglomerate that’s as resilient as its founder’s name. From textiles to luxury resorts (hello, Four Seasons Mauritius!), finance, and healthcare, Arnaud Dalais has dipped his fingers in all the profitable pies.
With operations across Mauritius, India, Madagascar, and Bangladesh, CIEL employs over 30,000 people. Arnaud is not just building wealth; he’s building nations.
7. Nundun Gopee – From Mason to Mansion
Now this one’s inspirational. Nundun Gopee started as a mason. Yes, the guy literally used to lay bricks. Today, he’s the founder of one of the top construction firms in the country.
His company, Nundun Gopee & Co Ltd, has worked on mega projects like the Mauritius international airport. He’s also into real estate, both in Mauritius and Mozambique.
This is the kind of story that reminds you that greatness doesn’t always start in a boardroom. Sometimes it starts with a bag of cement and a dream.
8. Michel de Spéville – Chicken King & Fast Food Lord
Michel de Spéville is the founder of Eclosia Group, which controls everything from poultry to fast food joints. Ever heard of Avipro? They’re probably responsible for most of the chicken eaten on the island.
With revenues around $450 million, Eclosia is a household name. Add some KFC franchises to that portfolio, and you’ve got yourself a fast food mogul.
He didn’t just put chicken on the table; he turned it into an empire.
9. Pierre-Guy Noël & Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) Titans
When it comes to banking, Pierre-Guy Noël is the big cheese. As the CEO of Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB), he leads one of the strongest financial institutions in the region.
He’s not alone though. Other key MCB stakeholders like Dominic Galea and Cyril How Kin Sang also hold valuable equity stakes. These men are turning financial services into financial freedom.
Banking might seem boring, but when the numbers add up like theirs, it becomes a lot more exciting.
10. Political Money Moves – Purryag, Jugnauth & Ramgoolam
Let’s not forget that in Mauritius, politics and wealth often go hand in hand. Former presidents and prime ministers like Rajkeswur Purryag, Sir Anerood Jugnauth, and Navinchandra Ramgoolam all rank among the wealthiest individuals on the island.
Their net worths range from Rs 700 million to nearly a billion. Land, pensions, and business interests have kept them comfortably in the elite class.
So, What Can We Learn From These Guys?
Whether it’s through conglomerates, chicken, cement, or construction, these men have carved their own paths. The one thing they all have in common? They diversified, took risks, and stayed committed.
Mauritius might be a small island, but its rich list is full of big lessons. So, the next time you’re sipping coconut water on the beach or dreaming about your first million, remember these names. And maybe, just maybe, your name will be on a list like this someday.
Keep grinding, stay smart, and always dream big!
