Phoenix: TECHz – News Desk
Mauritius has officially launched its National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy and FAIR Guidelines, marking a major milestone in the country’s ambition to become a high‑tech, innovation‑driven digital economy grounded in ethical, inclusive and people‑centred principles.
The launch ceremony, held in Phoenix on 9 April 2026, was attended by the Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Dr Avinash Ramtohul, Ministers and Junior Ministers, Members of the National Assembly, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms Lisa Simrique Singh, Ms. Sujitha Sekharan, UNDP Mauritius and Seychelles International Operations Manager and Officer in Charge, alongside representatives from the public and private sectors, academia and civil society.
The initiatives were spearheaded by the AI Unit of the Ministry, with key technical and strategic support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which has been working closely with the Government of Mauritius to advance a responsible, inclusive and development‑oriented AI ecosystem.
Grounded in the principles of Fairness, Accountability, Inclusiveness and Integrity, and Responsibility, the FAIR Guidelines establish a national ethical framework for AI governance, while the National AI Strategy provides a comprehensive roadmap to guide the transparent, safe and effective adoption of AI across priority sectors.
Artificial intelligence as a key driver of economic transformation
UNDP Mauritius, together with the UNDP Digital, AI and Innovation Hub, played a central role in supporting the development of the National AI Strategy. This was achieved through an inclusive, multi-stakeholder consultation process that brought together government institutions, the private sector, startups, academia, and civil society.
These consultations were guided by UNDP’s AI Strategy methodology, which enables countries to assess AI readiness, co-create strategies through structured multi-stakeholder workshops, and develop clear, actionable implementation roadmaps that translate policy into impact.
This approach ensured that the strategy is evidence-based, locally grounded, and aligned with Mauritius’ broader digital transformation agenda and vision for a trusted, inclusive digital future.
In his keynote address, Dr Ramtohul highlighted artificial intelligence as a key driver of economic transformation, innovation and competitiveness, reaffirming Government’s commitment to building a smart, inclusive and future‑ready Mauritius, while ensuring that AI technologies are deployed in a responsible, ethical and transparent manner. He also emphasised the importance of developing a supportive AI ecosystem that responds to real community needs, strengthens opportunities for local innovation, and enables Mauritian startups and enterprises to access regional and continental markets.
Through the National AI Strategy and FAIR Guidelines, and with continued support from UNDP, Mauritius is laying the foundations for a trusted, ethical and inclusive AI ecosystem that promotes innovation, sustainable development and long‑term economic resilience.
