This archive report was first published on 9 December 2019.
On 21-22 November 2019, a delegation led by the Swiss Blockchain Federation and organised by the Swiss Embassy visited Mauritius, with Crypto Valley Venture Capital (CV VC) as part of the group. The visit aimed to build 'blockchain bridges' between the two continental FinTech hubs.
According to Véronique Haller, Deputy Head of Mission at the Swiss Embassy, Switzerland and Mauritius share a 'hardworking and confident spirit' and both countries are seen as leaders in enabling research and innovation to translate into business. She highlighted the potential for collaboration between the two countries in relation to blockchain.
Mathias Ruch, Founder and CEO of CV VC, presented CV VC's approach to creating a blockchain technology ecosystem for Africa at three seminars. The first seminar was held on 21 November at Hennessy Park Hotel, in collaboration with the Swiss Embassy and the Economic Development Board of Mauritius. The second seminar was held on 22 November at the University of Mauritius, and the third at the African Leadership College.
Commenting on the visit, Mathias Ruch said: 'My visit to Mauritius has shown me that there is a strong will to use technology as a driving force for progress across the continent. Like Switzerland in Europe, which is home to over 800 companies active in the blockchain arena, Mauritius has the potential to emerge as a leading hub in Africa for the development of a blockchain ecosystem.'
CV VC is currently evaluating the potential establishment of a CV VC African Chapter as a private sector initiative, which would seek to establish a blockchain hub in Mauritius for the whole of Africa.
