The Mauritius AI Strategy outlines how AI could support key sectors like agriculture, health, FinTech, transport, and manufacturing. It identifies national challenges and opportunities through SWOT analysis. The strategy aimed to guide future development, though it lacked detailed implementation plans and was only partially followed up by the creation of the Mauritius Emerging Technologies Council.
Name in original language
Mauritius Artificial Intelligence AI Strategy
Initiative overview
The Mauritius Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy was developed to explore the potential application of AI technologies across key national industries. Recognizing AI as a transformative force, the initiative aims to position Mauritius to leverage AI for economic development, increased productivity, and improved public service delivery. The strategy targets six major sectors: agriculture, health, FinTech, transport, manufacturing, and the ocean economy, offering a sector-specific SWOT analysis to outline opportunities, risks, and readiness.The main objective of the strategy was to identify how AI could support national priorities, enhance innovation capacity, and address challenges such as limited digital infrastructure, low AI expertise, and resource constraints. The strategy also responds to global shifts, where countries are racing to integrate AI into their economies, ensuring Mauritius is not left behind. By laying out general recommendations and priority areas, the initiative sought to guide both public and private stakeholders toward coordinated AI development.However, while the strategy was validated by a working group, it lacked a robust implementation plan, dedicated funding, or clearly defined accountability mechanisms. It recommended the creation of a Mauritius Artificial Intelligence Council (MAIC) to oversee governance, consisting of 10 members. This body, however, was never fully institutionalized. In 2022, the Mauritius Emerging Technologies Council (METC) was established as a broader evolution of the MAIC. Despite its creation, the METC has not focused directly on enacting the original strategy's recommendations, due in part to the significant resources and cross-sectoral collaboration required.Looking forward, the future of AI development in Mauritius will likely depend on enhanced coordination, institutional commitment, and the development of a clear action framework. For the initiative to succeed, stronger multi-stakeholder partnerships, investment in digital infrastructure, and AI talent development will be crucial. The initial strategy provides a valuable foundation, but sustained political will and follow-through will determine its real impact on Mauritius's digital and economic transformation.
Who has primary responsibility for developing the national AI strategy?
Multiple public and private stakeholders
Name of responsible organisation (in English)
Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation (ITCI)
Who has primary responsibility to implementing the national strategy?
Other
Name of responsible organisation for strategy implementation (in English)
Ministry of ITCI
Budget information available?
Don't know
To what extent do you have mechanisms or other efforts to involve stakeholders in strategy design, implementation and monitoring?
Stakeholder consultation(s) and other engagement.
Video URL
Has this initiative been evaluated?
Yes
Are evaluation results public?
No
