That the Government of Mauritius provides nearly every resident over the age of 60 with
a non-contributory, basic pension is one of the best-kept secrets in the world. The scheme
dates from 1950 and became universal in 1958, following abolition of a means test.
Remarkably, introduction of a compulsory, contributory scheme for workers in the
private sector appears to have strengthened the non-contributory regime without affecting
its universality. This paper examines the past and future of non-contributory, universal
pensions in Mauritius, and draws lessons that might be useful for other countries,
especially those in the developing world.