National AI Strategy and FAIR Guidelines unveiled to position Mauritius as a high-tech, innovation-driven economy

In support of Government’s ambition to transform Mauritius into a modern, high-tech and innovation-driven digital economy, the AI Unit has spearheaded the development of the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy and the FAIR Guidelines grounded in Fairness, Accountability, Inclusiveness and Integrity, and Responsibility, for the ethical development and use of AI. These initiatives, officially launched yesterday at the J & J Auditorium in Phoenix, establish a comprehensive framework to guide the ethical, transparent and effective adoption of AI across the Republic.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Dr Avinash Ramtohul; Ministers; Junior Ministers; Members of the National Assembly; and the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms Lisa Simrique Singh, among other distinguished personalities.

The AI Unit’s logo and website (https://aim.govmu.org/aim/) serving as a central hub for governance, resources, and collaboration were also unveiled. The Regional AI Marketplace, hosted on the website, was introduced to connect solution providers, startups, businesses and public institutions, thereby accelerating the development, adoption, and deployment of AI-driven solutions.

Co-designed and co-developed with contributions from key stakeholders across the public and private sectors, academia, and civil society, the AI Strategy represents a major milestone in Mauritius’ digital transformation journey and underscores the country’s commitment to harnessing AI for sustainable and inclusive growth.

In his keynote address, Minister Ramtohul highlighted AI as a key catalyst for economic transformation, innovation and competitiveness. He underscored Government’s firm commitment to accelerating Mauritius’ transition into a smart, inclusive and future-ready nation, while ensuring that AI is deployed in a responsible, ethical, and transparent manner. The importance of modernising infrastructure and strengthening AI training and skills development was also underscored.

Emphasising the need to foster a conducive ecosystem for AI development to address real-community challenges and support local startups, he noted that the AI Strategy and FAIR Guidelines will play a crucial role in redefining how AI is developed and applied within the country. In this regard, he reassured that provisions are being made to facilitate the registration of startups, safeguard the local AI industry and unlock regional opportunities, particularly across the African market.

The Minister further reiterated that a people-centred approach remains at the heart of the Government’s agenda, as outlined in the Digital Transformation Blueprint 2025–2029. Several key initiatives such the KOREK Super App serving as a one-stop shop for Government services and the AI for All booklet promoting inclusivity and adoption of AI technologies were introduced.

Additionally, Dr Ramtohul highlighted that the Ministry has developed the Digital Interactive Virtual Assistant (DIVA), a Government-led, AI-powered platform aimed at enhancing public service delivery.

On the same occasion, winners of the AI in Motion Competition 2026 with the theme “Road Safety Video Quest” were rewarded. The competition, an initiative of the Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation in collaboration with Mauritius Digital Promotion Agency and Mauritius Film Development Corporation was aimed at Tertiary Level students.

The team Maurisafe Drive from the University of Mauritius (UOM) secured the first place and received a cash prize of Rs 50,000. The second prize, amounting to Rs 40,000, was awarded to the team Your Road Friend, designed by UOM and Polytechnics Mauritius. The runners-up were team Evolution by Polytechnics Mauritius, team Pixel Drive by Academy of Design and Innovation and team DriveWise by Polytechnics Mauritius.

10 April 2026

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Topics: Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence