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On June 26, 2025, the InterContinental Hotel in Mauritius will host the 3rd annual Indian Ocean Property Forum. Under the theme "A Resilient New Dawn," this one-day event will highlight investment opportunities in a region undergoing transformation.
The previous edition attracted 312 participants from 10 countries, representing more than 150 companies. For 2025, the organizers aim for an even more international participation with delegates expected from 15 countries.
Interview with Murray Anderson-Ogle
Murray Anderson-Ogle, Partnerships Director at API Events, reveals the prospects of the Mauritian real estate market and the behind-the-scenes of the upcoming Indian Ocean Forum 2025 – an event that attracts investors from around the world.
Your career includes experience in marketing, events, and commercial development but you also have expertise as a photographer. (i) What initially drew you to focus on the Mauritius property market, and (ii) how has the island's stunning landscapes influenced API Events' approach to real estate conferences in the region?
Yes, my professional journey has taken me across the USA, Middle East and Africa, working in marketing and communications. The real estate sector in Mauritius and the region has boomed, as it's a beautiful and safe place to live and work, while also offering world-class business infrastructure and attractive economic policies to settle and work. These pull factors have created a thriving market and API Events' role is to promote the growth of Mauritius as it becomes an institutional and mature market for development and investment across the sector.
The API Mauritius & Indian Ocean Property Forum will hold its third annual event in 2025. What have been the most significant developments or milestones since the inaugural forum, and how has the event evolved?
The event continues to gather pace and mature. Both have been very successful and in 2024 we saw significantly more offshore interest and new speakers travel to the market. The increase was at approximately 35% offshore. These leaders included regional leaders from the Indian Ocean, the Middle East and South Africa. We also saw new sponsors and partners emerge, which is encouraging and highlighted the depth and increasing sophistication of the local market. Initially the conference was focused on Mauritius but in 2024 we expanded to focus on the entire region and this is reflected in the name Mauritius & Indian Ocean Property Forum.
From "Investment Powerhouse" to "Leading the Future" to "A Resilient New Dawn" -- your conference themes seem to chart a narrative of Mauritius' real estate evolution. What drives these thematic choices, and what do they reveal about the market's transformation that investors might not immediately recognize?
The themes are chosen after a lot of research, meetings and visits with various stakeholders who help shape our events. Each year, we work on themes that speak to the current dynamic and where we believe the sector should focus its efforts to ensure long-term growth and investment. We believe sustainability is only going to increase in importance and value to investors and it's critical that the Mauritius built environment is prioritized.
This year's theme is "A Resilient New Dawn" - could you elaborate on why this theme was chosen and what it signifies for the Mauritius real estate market in the post-pandemic landscape?
Mauritius economic and political stability are some of the key reasons why the country has thrived over the years. In 2025, we have seen a new government come to power and this provides fresh impetus to continued growing the real estate and economy, which we believe should continue to focus on sustainable and ESG principles to combat the worst of climate change.
The 2025 conference agenda covers diverse topics from senior living to sustainable neighborhoods. How do you identify emerging trends and decide which ones deserve prominence at your events?
It's a consultative and research-driven approach and we only focus on real estate and hotels in Africa. We also believe these emerging asset classes have significant upside to investors long term especially as the country grows and demand increases. We have seen significant growth in emerging asset classes over the years and we believe these are priorities long term.
With over 300 delegates expected from 15 countries (up from 10 countries in previous years), how does API Events facilitate meaningful connections between local and international participants?
We help connect via networking, stimulating discussions and by introducing and matchmaking companies and individuals to each other. We have a team that specializes in this as this is a primary value in attending our events for our community in Africa.
How do you see Mauritius positioning itself as a gateway between Asian and African markets, and what role does real estate play in this strategic positioning?
Mauritius is an attractive place to headquarter your business and operations as it's tax efficient, well-located and these are the right frameworks to operate in multiple markets. The right real estate -- offices, homes, healthcare, mixed use and education -- are critical to enabling business leaders to live and work productively. The ability to also list and raise capital in multiple currencies is also unique and makes the market attractive.
What tangible investment outcomes or partnerships have emerged from previous API Mauritius conferences that demonstrate the forum's impact on the regional property market?
A lot of the deals are confidential, but our continued growth and attractiveness shows that we are doing something right. But we are seeing our community building new shopping centres, healthcare, hotels and setting up shop on Mauritius and region. Our events enable the right conversations to grow the sector.
The conference materials mention lessons from the Middle East and Singapore - what specific elements from these markets could benefit Mauritius while maintaining its unique identity and appeal?
These markets have matured and highlight what can be done to grow the market. They provide relevant inspiration and benchmarking for the market to aspire to.
The 2025 conference will feature sessions on AI & real estate, capital markets, and new funding mechanisms. How are technological innovations and new financing models reshaping property development in Mauritius and the wider Indian Ocean region?
AI and tech are critical across the value chain in property development from across the market. Capital markets depth and liquidity are also key to growth especially locally and in the region. Ultimately, we see technology enable faster and more efficient decision making.
