Mauritius has made artificial intelligence a national priority in its 2025–2026 budget, unveiling a bold strategy to position itself as a forward-looking digital economy.
Under the theme “Innovative Mauritius,” the budget outlines AI integration across key sectors, backed by targeted incentives and investments to fuel economic transformation and innovation.
The ICT sector remains a major economic pillar, contributing 5.6% to GDP in 2024 and employing 34,500 people. With global advances in AI, 6G, and spatial computing, the government aims to transform Mauritius into an “Intelligent Island.”
A new ICT industry blueprint released by the Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation (MITCI) provides a roadmap for this digital transition. AI-related budget initiatives align with the Government Programme 2025–2029 and the blueprint’s goals.
Key initiatives include:
- AI Innovation Start-Up Programme: Support for AI-focused startups under MITCI
- Dedicated AI Unit: To coordinate national AI efforts
- Public Sector AI Programme: Rs 25 million to equip ministries with AI tools
- Tax Relief: Startups and MSMEs can claim deductions up to Rs 150,000 for AI investments
AI in education:
- National AI policy guidelines in schools
- AI Proficiency Programme for students and teachers
- Mandatory AI module in public higher education curricula
AI in agriculture and food security:
- AI subscription services for SMEs to improve food production
AI in financial services:
- FSC to launch AI-enabled assistant on its e-licensing platform
AI in tourism:
- A blueprint to assess how tech and AI can drive tourism growth
By embedding AI into national planning, Mauritius aims to modernize traditional industries and spark new ones—paving the way for long-term economic stability and digital leadership.
