Demystifying investing

"Investing is for the rich"

"Investing is risky"

"Investing makes huge returns"

Surely you have heard all those comments about investing previously. Unlike in the United States, investing has always been associated with something that requires millions, exceptional financial literacy, or is destined only to some smarter-than-everyone elite. But in reality, we are all investing at some point in our lives.

1 - You have always been investing

Investing involves dedicating time or energy to something with the aim of achieving a better or more successful outcome.

Trying a new sport requires you to commit time and energy, potentially stepping away from your personal life or enhancing your well-being. The risk lies in allocating time to something unknown. As a sports enthusiast, I engaged in various activities growing up, from football to kitesurfing, but I never tried any combat sports. Recently, I started practicing Muay Thai, which pushed me out of my comfort zone. This decision led to improved mental resilience, stronger bones, and expanded social connections. However, it also required learning more about the sport, both internationally and locally. Similarly, investing demands time, money, and energy, much like taking up a new sport.

2 - The risk is quantifiable

The real risk when you are investing is the money you willingly put in that compagny. You have control on what amount you are putting in that investment and therefore, the amount you are ready to lose in the worst case scenario.

Thanks to many online and offline tools available you can track your assets and compagnies easily and know whenever they are underperforming. Those tools will help you have more control over your assets and will therefore help you manage the risk better. The risk lies first of all in your current financial context. Are you just starting out at life? Do you live with your parents? Are you already working and wonder how to get it started in Mauritius? If you are living alone, freshly graduated then investing may not be the right thing for you at the moment as you are just starting to figure out how to make ends meet.

3 - It's simple

Investing in the Stock Exchange of Mauritius (SEM) means supporting the growth of local companies that are integral to the Mauritian economy. This investment not only seeks financial returns but also strengthens community sustainability by backing businesses whose products and services are part of daily life.

Emtel, listed on the SEM since February 2025, exemplifies a reputable investment choice. As a trusted telecommunications provider, Emtel is known for its quality services and transparency, making it a reliable option for investors. Its straightforward business model focuses on essential communication services like mobile and internet connectivity, crucial to Mauritians' daily lives.

Investing in the SEM, particularly in companies like Emtel, offers a chance to engage with and support the local economy. It provides potential financial gains while reinforcing the social and economic fabric of Mauritius by investing in familiar, respected companies.

4 - Investing is not trading

Trading is a short term exchange of values which implies buying assets at their lowest valuation to then sell it at their highest possible valuation. However, with the explosion of the world of finance along with movies like the Wolf of Wallstreet, I have often seen people confuse investing with trading. But when I talk to people about investing I often notice some sort of disdain in their eyes along with remarks like "that's just gambling" or "you're wasting your money". Investing is about owning a share of a company in the hopes of having a return on your profit. It's a longer term

5- It doesn't take millions; it takes time