The first woman to hold the position of Governor of the Central Bank of Mauritius, she takes the helm of the institution following internal tensions. Her second Deputy Governor is Ramsamy Chinniah, a veteran chartered accountant.

Economist Priscilla Muthoora Thakoor has been appointed governor of the Bank of Mauritius for a three-year term beginning Sept. 29, 2025, the Mauritian presidency announced.

Thakoor makes history as the first woman named to the post. She succeeds Rama Sithanen, who resigned days ago amid internal divisions within the institution. Thakoor will be assisted by Ramsamy Chinniah, who was appointed as the second deputy governor.

A former International Monetary Fund (IMF) executive, Thakoor brings recognized international expertise in fiscal policy and economic development to the central bank. She holds a doctorate in economics from Oxford University and has worked across several regions, including Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, with a specific focus on inclusive growth and tax reform.

By placing an economist with global stature at the helm, authorities aim to increase transparency and rigor in monetary policy management. The new governor is tasked with strengthening the institution's credibility and stability and easing internal tensions. Her appointment comes as the central bank seeks to restore confidence and refocus on major economic balances.

Bank of Mauritius, the central bank of Mauritius, hopes to open a new chapter marked by calmer governance focused on current economic issues after a period of turbulence. This desire for renewal comes as the country faces significant challenges to long-term growth, including persistently high public debt, low productivity, an aging population, and external and fiscal imbalances. The IMF’s latest estimates project Mauritius’s economic growth will slow to 3% in 2025, down from 4.7% in 2024.

Sandrine Gaingne