Mauritius outlines AI governance ambitions

Mauritius has outlined plans to strengthen its role in AI governance and the global digital economy, as officials and private sector representatives gathered for a high-level conference on AI in Trianon.

The conference, titled ‘Reimagining Tomorrow in the Age of AI – Where Opportunity Meets Everyone’, was organised by Bauen Solutions Ltd in collaboration with EXU Ltd. It brought together public and private sector leaders to discuss the impact of AI on Mauritius’ economy, workforce, and national development.

Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade Minister Dhananjay Ramful described AI as a defining force of the 21st century, affecting global economies, governance, healthcare, security, and diplomacy. He said national influence now also depends on technological readiness and digital capability.

Ramful said Mauritius aims to build a durable national capability, strengthen partnerships, and position itself as a trusted AI governance jurisdiction and constructive regional partner. He pointed to the National AI Strategy 2025-2029, the FAIR Guidelines for the Development and Use of AI, and an operational AI Marketplace as key initiatives.

The minister said Mauritius wants to show how responsible, ethical, and inclusive AI governance can be implemented effectively in a small state and adapted by others. He argued that the country’s rule-of-law institutions, International Financial Centre ecosystem, multilingual profile, and position between Africa, Asia, and Europe could support dialogue, standards, governance cooperation, and responsible innovation.

Ramful also called for AI to be approached with clarity, ambition, vision, and responsibility rather than fear. He said international cooperation and strategic partnerships would be essential to ensuring that AI serves humanity collectively and responsibly.

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