Mauritius Artificial Intelligence Strategy

The Mauritius Artificial Intelligence Strategy represents a national commitment to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative tool for socioeconomic development. This policy aims to position Mauritius as a regional leader in AI by aligning national priorities with global technological advancements. It outlines a roadmap for the systematic integration of AI across key sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, fintech, transport, and citizen services.

The purpose of this strategy is to harness AI not merely as a technology but as an enabler of innovation, productivity, and inclusion. It seeks to address national challenges such as falling productivity, a declining and ageing population, moderate growth, and social issues through the application of intelligent systems. The strategy provides direction for the development of AI capabilities while ensuring ethical governance, data privacy, and skills development.

The scope of the policy spans both public and private sectors. It is designed to stimulate entrepreneurship, enhance the delivery of government services, create high-value jobs, and attract investment in emerging technologies. Importantly, it also places emphasis on regional and international collaboration, talent development, and incentivising innovation within a regulatory framework conducive to AI growth.

The strategy stems from the deliberations of a multidisciplinary Working Group on AI, established under the leadership of the Secretary to the Cabinet. Over a period of one month, the group engaged in intensive consultations to identify opportunities, assess the national AI readiness, and propose actionable recommendations. This report is the culmination of those discussions and provides a foundation for sustained AI-driven transformation in Mauritius.

Strategic direction of the Mauritius AI policy

The strategy envisions a phased development of Mauritius as an AI-driven economy. In the short term, it focuses on initiating projects that demonstrate the viability and benefits of AI across sectors. These pilot initiatives will serve as proof of concept and build national momentum. In the medium to long term, AI is projected to evolve into a full-fledged pillar of economic development, capable of contributing significantly to GDP growth and social well-being.

To support implementation, the government will establish the Mauritius Artificial Intelligence Council (MAIC), which will be tasked with steering project execution, monitoring socioeconomic impact, and facilitating collaboration among stakeholders. The Council will comprise both public and private sector representatives, as well as international experts, and will work closely with the Economic Development Board (EDB) to define a roadmap and ensure coordination.

Goals

• Position Mauritius as a regional leader in AI innovation and application
• Promote inclusive socioeconomic development through AI adoption
• Enhance public sector efficiency and citizen engagement with AI-driven services
• Foster an ecosystem of entrepreneurship and investment in AI-related technologies
• Ensure ethical, secure, and sustainable use of AI technologies

Focus areas

• Identification and prioritisation of AI-ready sectors and national flagship projects
• Skills attraction and capacity development through education, training, and talent development
• Development of incentives to catalyse AI implementation in both public and private sectors
• Formulation of a robust regulatory and ethical framework to guide AI deployment
• Building strategic alliances and networks to support AI research and industry collaboration
• Running awareness and sensitisation campaigns to increase public trust and AI literacy
• Adoption of AI for enhanced delivery of public services and governance