The banking sector in Mauritius has achieved a significant milestone, with the total credit portfolio reaching Rs 641.89 billion as of September 2026, according to a statistical report published by the Bank of Mauritius on October 30, 2026. This growth indicates a substantial increase in lending activities across various sectors of the economy. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the credit landscape, highlighting the distribution of loans across different sectors and currencies.
The credit portfolio is predominantly composed of loans in Mauritian rupees, amounting to Rs 425.11 billion, while foreign currency loans account for Rs 216.78 billion. Excluding Global Business Companies (GBCs) and authorized companies, the total credit injected into the local economy stands at Rs 522.62 billion. This figure underscores the significant role of the banking sector in supporting domestic economic activities.
The household sector constitutes the largest share of the banking sector's exposure, with a total of Rs 220.3 billion in loans. Within this segment, housing loans dominate, accounting for Rs 154.6 billion, or approximately 70.2% of the total household debt. Other types of household loans amount to Rs 65.7 billion. These figures highlight the importance of the housing market and the banking sector's role in facilitating access to credit for households.
The non-financial corporate sector, excluding public sector entities, has a total outstanding credit of Rs 219.97 billion. An analysis of the credit distribution by sector reveals that the wholesale and retail trade sector has a significant exposure of Rs 41.78 billion, with Rs 28.75 billion in local currency and Rs 13.04 billion in foreign currency. The hospitality and restaurant sector follows closely, with a total exposure of Rs 39.54 billion, largely driven by Resort Hotels.
Other key sectors with substantial credit exposures include the manufacturing industry, with Rs 31.75 billion, and the real estate sector, with Rs 29.45 billion. The construction sector, dominated by non-residential and residential projects, has a total exposure of Rs 23.55 billion. The agriculture and fishing sector also has a notable credit portfolio, with Rs 13.42 billion, primarily driven by sugarcane cultivation.
The report also highlights the significance of offshore financial entities and public companies in the credit landscape. Global Business Corporations (GBCs) have a total exposure of Rs 116.44 billion, largely financed in foreign currency. Other financial companies, public non-financial corporations, and authorized companies also have substantial credit portfolios, amounting to Rs 54.09 billion, Rs 28.25 billion, and Rs 2.83 billion, respectively.
The data released by the Monetary and Financial Statistics Section of the central bank confirms the robust growth in credit disbursement and the banking sector's capacity to mobilize funds for local infrastructure development and household projects. The sustained growth in credit allocation is expected to continue supporting economic activities in Mauritius.
Key points
- The banking sector's total credit portfolio in Mauritius has surpassed Rs 641.8 billion as of September 2026.
- The household sector has the largest share of the banking sector's exposure, with Rs 220.3 billion in loans.
- Housing loans dominate the household sector, accounting for approximately 70.2% of the total household debt.
