The latest statistical release from the Bank of Mauritius (BOM) reveals a surge in inward Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to Mauritius for the first three quarters of 2017, with FDI inflows reaching a total of MUR 12.3 billion. This amount represents an increase of 16% compared to MUR 10.6 billion registered for the previous corresponding period.

The top 3 sectors recipient of FDI inflow included Real Estate (MUR 7.3 billion comprising of MUR 4.7 billion that has been injected in the Integrated Resort Scheme/Real Estate Scheme/Invest Hotel Scheme/Property Development Scheme), Financial Services (MUR 3.2 billion) and Construction (MUR 845 million). The Hospitality and Education sectors also fared well, with MUR 353 million and MUR 163 million respectively.

While Real Estate has been the leading recipient sector of FDI for years, and still remains a key sector, the Government has been encouraging a diversification strategy and, in recent years, a decrease in the proportionate share of real estate activities in the total FDI has been observed. For the period January to September 2017, FDI in Real Estate represented 59.4% of the country’s total FDI, compared to 70.7% and 84.4% for the corresponding periods in 2016 and 2015 respectively.

As for top FDI source countries, France and Luxembourg led the way with MUR 3.7 billion and MUR 3.3 billion respectively, together representing nearly 57% of total FDI inflows to the island. South Africa (12%) and China (8%) also remained important FDI source countries for this period.

The BOM’s report can be accessed here