1. Could you begin by outlining your Ministry’s vision for the digital transformation of Mauritius and its role in shaping a smart, connected nation?
The moment we took office, we revisited our national mission and vision regarding ICT. We view ICT as a key enabler of both economic progress and social well-being. Our vision is to make Mauritius a truly digital nation, one that exports its ICT services to the African continent and beyond, while accelerating our reach into the European and American markets.
We also aim to attract more global players to our shores so that the ICT sector can accompany the government and the country in its process of digital transformation, economic reconstruction, and, ultimately, in improving the quality of life for all Mauritians.
2. Mauritius has made remarkable progress in ICT adoption. What are the key priorities of your government to accelerate innovation and the development of a digital economy?
Digital transformation is more of a journey than a destination. Mauritius began this journey as far back as 1977 with its first data processing division. Since then, we have established ourselves as a leading sub-Saharan nation in terms of ICT adoption within government processes.
We have deployed a large number of e-services, government-to-government (G2G), government-to-citizen (G2C), and government-to-business (G2B). However, to move faster, we must consolidate the fundamentals. We are now establishing our Digital Public Infrastructure, which will provide the secure backbone for e-services, digital payments, and interoperability.
Our blueprint for digital transformation rests on four key pillars:
We are also establishing a National Cyber Resilience and Cyber Security Agency to safeguard critical information infrastructures and enforce mandatory cybersecurity standards.
3. The tech ecosystem is growing rapidly in Mauritius. How is your Ministry supporting start-ups, incubators, and entrepreneurs to position Mauritius as a regional innovation hub?
We are currently consolidating our scattered innovation ecosystem. Our plan is to create a technology park that will bring together incubators, mentors, angel investors, and young entrepreneurs.
Through digital connectivity, we are developing virtual fab labs to enable remote access to tools and resources. These labs, backed by partnerships with global AI operators, will help innovators test, develop, and deploy new ideas with the right mentoring and investment support.
4. Cybersecurity and data protection are increasingly critical. What measures are being taken to safeguard citizens, businesses, and government systems in the digital space?
We have identified all critical information infrastructures in the country and are enforcing compliance with stringent cybersecurity standards. Audits will be conducted by empaneled, certified auditors to ensure professional oversight.
We are transforming our existing National Cybersecurity Committee into the National Cyber Resilience and Cyber Security Agency, which will have greater powers and clearer mandates.
Additionally, we have established a backup government data centre to ensure continuity in case of system failures. But cybersecurity is not just about systems, it’s about people. We are running nationwide awareness campaigns to educate citizens on online scams, phishing, and digital hygiene.
We are also working with the Government of India to strengthen our cybersecurity infrastructure, including the use of advanced technologies such as honeypots to detect and deter attacks.
5. Mauritius is investing heavily in education and skills for the future. How are you ensuring that young Mauritians are equipped for careers in technology, AI, and innovation?
We are addressing both participation and inclusion. Currently, out of every three students studying STEM subjects, only one is a girl, a gap we are determined to close.
To attract more young people, we are using gamification tools such as STEM Racing to inspire students through digital gaming. The Ministry of Education has also integrated AI and technopreneurship into school and university curricula.
We have also partnered with institutions such as the Africa Leadership University to build human capital for Mauritius and the wider African region.
6. Public-private partnerships are key to ICT growth. How are you engaging with global tech companies and investors to attract cutting-edge expertise and capital?
I often say PPP should include a fourth “P”, People. They are central to our digital journey.
Global players such as IBM, Microsoft, and Oracle are already present in Mauritius, and we are encouraging them to establish competency centres and data hubs here.
Mauritius offers the ideal environment for such investments, political stability, ease of doing business, high-quality human capital, and a strategic location between Africa and Asia. Through the Economic Development Board (EDB), we provide attractive incentives for global firms to invest, train our people, and grow with us.
7. The UAE and Gulf countries are major players in digital innovation. Are you exploring partnerships in areas such as smart cities, fintech, or AI?
We are in active discussions with entities in the UAE. Various ministries are already engaging with their Emirati counterparts on initiatives that include IT components.
We have received proposals from UAE partners and are currently evaluating them. The UAE’s achievements in smart governance and digital infrastructure are impressive, and we see great opportunities to learn from and collaborate with them.
8. Finally, what message would you like to share with Khaleej Times readers about Mauritius’ ambition to become a leading digital and innovation hub in Africa and the Indian Ocean?
Mauritius has long been a pioneer in IT within Africa, and we intend to consolidate that position by becoming the AI leader on the continent.
We provide robust data governance, strong cybersecurity, and the right technologies to support innovation. Our arms are open to global investors and partners who wish to collaborate with us, not only to contribute to our economic development, but also to grow their own organizations in a thriving, forward-looking digital economy.
9. You mentioned an AI awareness initiative. Could you elaborate on that?
As part of the national drive to promote digital inclusion and AI literacy, the Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation has developed a creative and engaging comic style publication titled “AI for All”, launched on 29 October 2025 in both English and Kreol Morisien.
This fun, cartoon-based booklet uses storytelling, local settings and relatable characters, through our AI avatar DIVA- Digital Interactive Virtual Assistance to explain the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence, how it works, where it is used and how it impacts everyday life in Mauritius. Designed for readers of all ages, it aims to demystify AI and spark curiosity about its benefits and responsible use, while also addressing important issues such as data privacy, deepfakes and online safety.
The initiative forms part of Mauritius’ National AI Strategy and the Digital Transformation Blueprint 2025–2029, reflecting the Government’s commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital era.
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