The Bank of Mauritius (BOM) has recently published updated estimates for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Mauritius, revealing significant growth for the first nine months of 2024. The gross direct investment flows in Mauritius have reached Rs 24.8 billion, compared to Rs 23.1 billion during the same period in 2023, marking a year-on-year increase of approximately 7.4%.
Sectoral breakdown of FDI
The real estate activities sector emerged as the primary beneficiary of these inflows, accounting for Rs 17.3 billion in 2024, which is an increase from Rs 15.8 billion in 2023. This sector includes investments under various schemes such as the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), Real Estate Scheme (RES), Invest Hotel Scheme (IHS), Property Development Scheme (PDS), and Smart City Scheme (SCS). Following real estate, the accommodation and food service activities and financial and insurance activities sectors also attracted substantial investments.
Summary of key sectors:
- Real Estate Activities: Rs 15.8 billion (2023) vs. Rs 17.3 billion (2024)
- Accommodation and Food Services: Significant growth noted
- Financial and Insurance Activities: Continued investment interest
Source of investments
The majority of FDI in Mauritius during this period has been sourced from France and South Africa, highlighting the strong economic ties between these nations and Mauritius. On the other hand, gross direct investment flows abroad have also seen a notable increase, estimated at Rs 3.0 billion for the first three quarters of 2024, compared to just Rs 793 million in the same timeframe last year. The primary sectors receiving these outflows include:
- Manufacturing
- Financial and Insurance Activities
- Real Estate Activities
The main destinations for these outward investments were identified as Reunion, India, and France.
The latest figures from the BOM indicate a robust recovery and growth trajectory for FDI in Mauritius, particularly in the real estate sector. The government’s favourable policies and ongoing efforts to attract foreign capital continue to bear fruit, positioning Mauritius as an attractive destination for international investors. As we move further into 2025, it will be crucial to monitor how these trends evolve and their implications for the Mauritian economy.
