E-commerce in Mauritius

E-commerce

Internet access

The Republic of Mauritius has a population of around 1.3 million, with an internet penetration rate of 64.9% as of 2022. According to the latest data by Ookla, the median mobile internet connection speed via cellular networks is 22.45 Mbps and the median fixed internet connection speed is 19.69 Mbps. Around 1 million people use social media (although social media users may not represent unique individuals), with Facebook being the main platform (788.9 thousand users), followed by Instagram (367.5 thousand users) and LinkedIn (360 thousand users – Data Reportal). Data from GSMA Intelligence shows that there were 1.96 million cellular mobile connections in Mauritius at the start of 2022.
The latest data by Statistics Mauritius shows that the value added of ICT sector went up by 4.2% in nominal terms from MUR 25,356 million in 2019 to MUR 26,432 million in 2020. Its share in GVA was 7% higher than in 2019 (5.8%). According to Lonely Planet, free wi-fi is generally available throughout the country's urban areas.

E-commerce market

E-commerce in Mauritius is limited, but its use is on the rise, particularly after the COVID-19 outbreak. The main obstacle is that the speed and bandwidth required for modern e-commerce transactions are lacking in some of the more remote areas. The e-ommerce market in Mauritius is projected to grow by 14.24% (2023-2027) resulting in a market volume of USD 469.30 million in 2027 (Statista).
Many retail and wholesale shops embarked on the online market, contemplating launching e-commerce websites, more specifically electronic ordering (e-ordering), where customers can order products without having to physically go to the outlets. Many smaller Mauritian businesses, however, still prefer to use Facebook to reach their target market. Internet banking and mobile banking applications usage is increasing: according to statistics by the Bank of Mauritius, the value of internet banking transactions increased by 66% between April 2020 and April 2021.