Mauritius and China Join Forces to Enhance Digital Skills of Public Officials

In accordance with its mandate to improve public sector performance, the Ministry of Public Service and Administrative Reforms, in collaboration with the Embassy of the People's Republic of China, is organizing a seminar on Artificial Intelligence (AI) from October 27 to November 5, 2025, at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation, located in Côte d’Or Technopole, Moka.

The objectives of this workshop are threefold: to provide public officials with a comprehensive understanding of the capabilities and implications of AI applications in the public sector; to assist them in developing policies and strategies for utilizing AI in public service delivery; and to foster a culture of innovation and forward-thinking within the civil service, where officials are encouraged to leverage AI to address complex problems and effectively meet the evolving needs of citizens.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Minister of Public Service and Administrative Reforms, Raj Pentiah, the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Mauritius, Dr. Huang Shifang, the Secretary to the Public Service, Dr. Dhanandjay Kawol, and other dignitaries. In his speech, the Minister of Public Service emphasized that the future of the civil service lies in embracing innovation to remain relevant and effective. He highlighted the importance of empowering the new generation of officials, who he believes are adept with technology and well-positioned to lead the transformation of the civil service.

Raj Pentiah also underscored the necessity of aligning with the digital transformation plan of the Ministry of Information, Communication and Innovation to ensure the successful integration of AI in public administration, aiming to pave the way for change and excellence. He urged officials to remain committed to continuous learning, improvement, and innovation to better serve the community, while reaffirming the government's commitment to implementing capacity-building initiatives that enhance the skills of the public sector in the era of digital transformation.

The Ambassador of the People's Republic of China, for her part, noted that this seminar marks the first bilateral program on AI between her country and Mauritius. She described AI as a new frontier for human development, offering immense opportunities for growth and progress. She emphasized that China's development experience demonstrates the transformative power of innovation. Dr. Huang Shifang further reaffirmed China's support for Mauritius in building a future-ready digital economy, thus deepening cooperation between the two nations.