Mauritius will host the inaugural Mauritius Art and Culture Investment Summit (MACIS) on March 24, 2026, marking a major step in the island nation’s ambition to become a leading art and cultural-tourism hub in Africa and the Indian Ocean region. 

Building on the success of the Mauritius International Art Fair, the summit aims to move beyond celebrating art to actively financing and developing a sustainable creative economy.

The event will begin with an opening reception at Tamarina Golf Club before formal sessions at Ocean’s Creek Beach Hotel. 

It will bring together policymakers, investors, cultural institutions and artists to foster partnerships and investment frameworks across the region, including collaboration with Seychelles, Madagascar, Réunion and Comoros.

The programme aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Prominent participants include representatives from Christie’s Middle East and the UNESCO culture sector. Alongside the summit, the “United for Climate” exhibition—organised by ZeeArts Gallery in partnership with COP28—will showcase artworks created from recycled and repurposed materials.

With its diverse cultural heritage and growing reputation as a financial hub, Mauritius is positioning itself to lead regional investment in the creative industries, tapping into the rapidly expanding global market for contemporary African art.

Zaahirah Muthy, Founder, ZeeArts & Initiator of MACIS, said: “Culture is not only a driver of identity, but a strategic economic asset. By fostering creative industries, cultural tourism, and heritage preservation, it generates employment, attracts investment, and strengthens global partnerships – turning cultural expression into tangible economic and social value.” -TradeArabia News Service