French President Emmanuel Macron opened his multi-nation Africa tour on Thursday with a landmark visit to Mauritius, marking the first trip by a French president to the island nation since 1993.
Macron was received by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, who described the visit as “significantly important,” noting that the world is grappling with economic disruptions that disproportionately affect small island developing states.
“We risk ending up in a system where ambitions generated elsewhere stir up the global economic order,” Ramgoolam said.
“We, small island developing states, are the first to feel the negative effects of this disorder.”
Mauritius, a former French colony located near the French territory of Réunion, maintains close ties with France.
Macron had initially planned to visit in April but postponed following the death of Pope Francis.
Environmental cooperation is expected to be a major focus of the visit, with Mauritius—home to 1.2 million people and one of Africa’s most developed economies—playing an increasingly prominent role in ocean protection and climate resilience.
During a press briefing, Macron also addressed the political crisis in Madagascar, where the military seized control in October after weeks of deadly youth-led protests.
The junta has outlined a two-year plan for democratic transition and new elections.
“France will support this transition with openness and respect for the priorities of the Malagasy people, particularly regarding economic development,” Macron said.
The French leader’s regional tour will also take him to South Africa for the G20 summit in Johannesburg, to Gabon, and to Angola for the African Union–European Union summit.
