Digital Transformation: An Action Plan for a More Inclusive Society

The Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation has outlined four pillars to position Mauritius as a digital leader: modern infrastructure, skills for all, innovation and growth in the private sector, and a sustainable future. The roadmap titled "A Blueprint for Mauritius – A Bridge to the Future – Digital Transformation 2025-2029" details the key actions.

Pillar 1: A Modern Digital Infrastructure

A super app and a portal will be designed to provide simple, fast, and secure services between the government and citizens, among government entities, and between the government and businesses.

1. With a single login via digital or mobile identification, citizens will easily access online services from one location (super app and portal).
2. A "National Digital Services Framework" will be adopted, requiring all public services to follow principles such as collecting data only once.
3. Public services will be redesigned to align with significant life events, making them simpler, faster, and better connected. Citizens will provide their information only once, which will be protected and used with their consent, allowing them to maintain control. They will also receive reminders, updates, and assistance when necessary.
4. Citizens will be able to use their "Mobile ID" for identification, signing documents, and securely accessing public services from their phones.
5. Health services will be digitized, allowing citizens to schedule appointments, view prescriptions, and share their medical records with their chosen doctor.
6. A "Digital Learning Platform" will be launched for students, public servants, and the general public, enabling learners to track progress and interact with teachers.
7. A "National e-Participation Platform" will allow citizens to provide feedback, participate in decision-making, and engage in budgeting exercises.
8. Eligible individuals for social security benefits will be able to apply for pensions and allowances online and track their applications in real-time. Online administrative support will also be available for grieving families.
9. Drivers will be able to renew licenses, register vehicles, pay declarations online, and receive alerts on their phones.
10. The eJudiciary system will be accessible in more courts for case consultations and online payments.
11. Online shopping in Mauritius will be protected by laws to reduce fraud, and the government will establish a regulatory framework to protect online consumers.
12. Farmers will have rapid access to information and analytics about their activities through artificial intelligence to improve yields and productivity.
13. An integrated digital immigration system will be established, and Mauritians will be entitled to an electronic passport.
14. Alerts will be directly sent to phones via a Cell Broadcast System to save lives in unpredictable weather conditions.
15. The Lespwar app and Domestic Violence Information System will be enhanced.
16. The e-Procurement system will be improved for greater transparency and efficiency.
17. The national ship monitoring system will be upgraded to prevent maritime disasters and combat illicit maritime activities.

Pillar 2: Digital Skills for Everyone

Empower all citizens to use digital technology through simple tools, access for all, tailored training, and awareness campaigns.

1. The "National Digital Literacy Campaign" will be implemented to train citizens in safely and confidently using digital public services, prioritizing vulnerable groups.
2. The "Assisted Digital Access Scheme" will provide assistance for online services and mobile labs equipped with Internet and virtual reality.
3. Training and upskilling in various fields such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, cloud engineering, and blockchain, among others.
4. Public servants will receive training in "Digital Leadership."

Pillar 3: Innovation and Growth in the Private Sector

Support businesses in digitalizing, assist start-ups, and encourage innovation between the public, private sectors, and citizens through data sharing and better access to information.

1. Programs will help SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) create digital solutions, with free access to online platforms. A digital skills city will connect providers and clients. Businesses led by women, youth, and informal sectors will receive support. These programs will also facilitate the digital transition of small businesses and encourage a circular economy through digital means.
2. "Public-Private-People Partnership" - Microservices will be established to share data and tools to encourage new business ideas, promoting innovation. Challenges will be launched to gather solutions through crowdsourcing.
3. Strengthening the innovation system by linking universities to research centers, supporting innovative ideas through the "Digital Innovation Fund," and organizing hackathons in fields such as health, tourism, and education. Research will also be supported by the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC), the National Productivity and Competitiveness Council (NPCC), and UNDP-UNIPOD.
4. Introducing infrastructure to modernize e-commerce services and establishing a national program for start-ups to expand internationally.
5. Emphasis on reinforcing the 4 Ps (Public-Private-People Partnership) through working groups to foster collaboration between public and private sectors, inviting representatives from civil society, research, and NGOs.
6. Initiatives such as "Digital Public Infrastructure," "GovStack," and a framework to enhance cybersecurity and digital resilience will be implemented.
7. Promote the concept of tech entrepreneurs.
8. Position Mauritius as a safe and secure destination for African countries and businesses to set up Disaster Recovery (DR) data centers.
9. Digital programs will be designed to enable the diaspora to participate actively.
10. Establish a blockchain framework to facilitate international trade.

Pillar 4: A Sustainable and Resilient Digital Future

Make digital infrastructures greener, reduce and recycle electronic waste, promote good practices, and use technology to protect the environment and improve life through the Internet of Things.

1. Greener government services: websites will be designed with lightweight code and eco-friendly hosting. Systems will retain only essential data. All e-government sites will be designed for easy access and sustainability.
2. Classes focused on the ecological impacts of information and communication technologies (ICT) will be introduced in schools and universities. Competitions and hackathons on sustainability will also be organized, along with awareness campaigns on simple and eco-friendly practices.
3. Smart lighting and traffic systems will help save energy across the island. Tools for a greener public transport system will help reduce pollution.
4. Establishing a system for the government to repair and reuse old ICT equipment to reduce electronic waste. Cleaned and certified devices can be given to citizens, schools, start-ups, and NGOs.
5. Documents related to the Council of Ministers will be converted to digital format.

IT Day at Cœur de Ville Flacq this Saturday

A new edition of the "Community Digital Empowerment IT Day" will take place this Saturday, May 31, at Cœur de Ville Flacq, from 9:30 AM to noon. The event aims to expose citizens to technology, training, and digital activities.

Two main areas will be showcased: discovering how refurbished computers can transform education, support NGOs, and energize small businesses; and exploring digital skills and career paths aligned with the current job market to prepare youth for industry demands.

The Community Digital Empowerment "IT Day" is an initiative by ReUSE Revamp, organized with the support of the Ministry of Information Technology, Communication, and Innovation.