Budget 2026–2027: Leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Digitisation

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digitisation is one of the key pillars of the Government’s strategy, according to Budget 2026–2027.

Preparing Mauritius for the AI revolution, so that it can participate in and benefit from it, will be based on three fronts.

First, with the support of the Prime Minister of India, Mauritius could benefit from participation in Google’s America–India Connect initiative. This major international subsea connectivity programme can add a new layer of resilience to the existing submarine cable systems and strengthen strategic routes towards South Africa, India and Singapore.

Second, Mauritius will be positioned as a trusted base for AI and cloud services. The Government is engaging with leading American and European AI and cloud companies to explore opportunities for AI infrastructure and AI-enabled services serving Mauritius, the Indian Ocean and the SADC region.

Third, the Government will transform education for a generation of AI-native students already growing up in schools as AI-enabled learning will be scaled up across the education system in a safe and responsible manner. Moreover, the Government will invest in AI education for adults, and in total, 50,000 Mauritians will be enabled or trained in the practical use of AI over the next year, with the goal of creating a Mauritius that is ready for the AI economy.

With the collaboration of the Indian Government, a ‘Champion of AI’ Programme will be launched. The Programme aims to develop and support a network of AI leaders who will drive responsible AI adoption, training and transformation across organisations.

In addition, the Budget provides Rs 25 million for the establishment of a National AI Learning Platform. The platform will offer structured training and certification, as well as an AI Innovation Start-Up Programme to support youth entrepreneurship. The Budget also provides for the upgrading of the Digital Interactive Virtual Assistant platform.

As AI is promoted, it is equally important to ensure appropriate governance and oversight. The Government will issue a National Artificial Intelligence Guideline for the governance and responsible use of AI in higher education and in the civil service, so as to retain firm oversight and control over its development and use.

The Budget further provides Rs 13 million for the establishment of a Cyber Forensic Laboratory to strengthen investigative capabilities; the conduct of a national cybersecurity survey to assess preparedness and improve resilience; and the setting up of Information Security Management Systems across Government.

23 June 2026

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Topics: Education, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence