PORT LOUIS, Nov. 23 (AGCNewsNet) – Mauritius’ newly sworn-in Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam announced on Friday that he will also assume the role of finance minister, prioritizing close oversight of the country’s economy. 

"We are conducting an audit of the economy to assess the extent of damage caused by the previous government," Ramgoolam said at a press briefing in Port Louis after overseeing the swearing-in of his cabinet. 

The 77-year-old veteran politician returned to office after a decade, following a resounding electoral victory that saw his Alliance du Changement (ADC) coalition secure 60 out of 62 national assembly seats. 

Ramgoolam, who served as prime minister from 1995 to 2000 and again from 2005 to 2014, previously implemented reforms to reduce bureaucracy and streamline taxes, helping diversify the $10 billion economy from its reliance on tourism, textiles, and sugar exports. 

Since those reforms, Mauritius has gained recognition as an offshore financial hub and has consistently ranked as the easiest place to do business in Africa, according to the World Bank. 

Ramgoolam’s decision to take charge of the finance ministry underscores his intent to stabilize and rejuvenate the economy while addressing concerns about fiscal mismanagement under the outgoing government.