Statistics Mauritius Launches a Digital Platform to Enhance Data Quality and Accessibility

MauStats, a new digital platform developed with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and technology partner I-Tech Mission, was launched on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, during a half-day workshop at the Maritim Resort and Spa in Balaclava, as part of the fourth World Statistics Day.

As the first platform of its kind in the region, MauStats consolidates national statistics to improve accessibility, coordination, and data quality. The half-day workshop also celebrated the 80th anniversary of the partnership between Statistics Mauritius and the United Nations.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Dr. Avinash Ramtohul; the Deputy Minister of Finance, Dhaneshwar Damry; the UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms. Lisa Simrique Singh; the UNDP Resident Representative, Ms. Alka Bhatia; the Chairperson of the Statistics Council, Ms. Li Fa Cheung Kai Suet; and the Director of Statistics, Mukesh Dawoonauth.

In his speech, Dr. Avinash Ramtohul emphasized the central role of data in governance, policy-making, and national development, noting that data is generated throughout life and must be accurate, secure, traceable, and accessible. He mentioned the role of Statistics Mauritius in collecting and managing national data, which will aid the newly announced government initiative of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bureau in analyzing economic and social information for informed decision-making.

The Minister of ICT also highlighted the importance of the Freedom of Information Act and open data portals in promoting transparency, enhancing public trust, and enabling effective data use in both the public and private sectors.

Dr. Avinash Ramtohul then presented the government's digitization initiatives, including online services for road tax and online healthcare, as well as the use of satellite technology to facilitate connectivity. He drew attention to efforts to renovate public sector computers in a circular economy approach and the upcoming launch of the Super App, which will consolidate various government services into a single mobile platform to streamline access and improve efficiency.

For his part, Deputy Minister of Finance Dhaneshwar Damry reminded attendees of the recent reforms implemented at Statistics Mauritius, including strengthening institutional independence, the legal authority of the Director of Statistics, staff protection, and strict measures against the manipulation or suppression of official data. He stated that these reforms align with international best practices, making Mauritius the first African country to adopt such rigorous standards. He also emphasized the role of digitization as a key driver for job creation, regional economic development, and capacity building, positioning Mauritius as a knowledge hub for Sub-Saharan Africa.

Other speakers, including Ms. Alka Bhatia and Ms. Lisa Simrique Singh, underscored the transformative role of data and statistics in evidence-based policy-making and sustainable development.

The Chairperson of the Statistics Council congratulated Statistics Mauritius on its achievements, such as developing a national strategy for offshore statistics, updating key surveys and indices, and launching the MauStats platform with UNDP support as part of its e-commerce strategy.

World Statistics Day is celebrated every five years on October 20. This year's theme is "Quality Statistics and Data for Everyone."