The Stock Exchange of Mauritius Ltd. is readying a new index for Africa-focused companies.

The exchanged launched a new market category for such firms, the Africa Board, on Oct. 19, aimed at attracting foreign investors.

Next it will launch the SEM Africa Index on Nov. 1, which will track the performance of equities listed on the Africa Board. It will track rupee- and foreign currency-denominated securities and will be market-cap weighted.

The Africa Board has earmarked 22 of securities for listing on the Africa Board at its launch.