ICT: AI and Research at the Heart of the Strategy Driven by the Blueprint

The government is intensifying its innovation strategy with the establishment of a national research institute, a dedicated artificial intelligence (AI) program, the promotion of open data, a strengthened legal framework in cybersecurity, and active support for research.

The National Research and Innovation Institute (NRII) will be created under the Ministry of Higher Education. It will support both public and private sectors while streamlining existing public research institutions.
A budget of Rs 200 million has been allocated to various ministries to fund research aimed at political innovation.
All parastatal organizations and public enterprises must submit a research and innovation plan.
The High-Level Steering Committee for the government program at the Prime Minister's Office will oversee the mission "Innovative Mauritius."
The Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation (TCI) has developed a roadmap for the country's digitalization. The government commits to implement this plan promptly.
Additional funding is provided to Statistics Mauritius to enhance its capabilities in open data and big data.
Rs 70 million has been allocated for establishing a Tier IV government data center dedicated to disaster recovery.
The Data Protection Act will be amended to comply with European Union requirements.
The Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Act will be aligned with international standards, including the creation of a Cyber Security Operation Centre inspired by the British model.
The government will strengthen the legal protection of the rights of creators and inventors at the international level.
A set of incentives, including a Premium Investment Certificate, expedited permits, and easier access to infrastructure, will be proposed to attract foreign research laboratories to Mauritius.
New tax incentives will be introduced under the Innovative Mauritius Scheme to encourage research, development, and innovation.
An AI Innovation Start-Up Programme will be implemented by the Ministry of TCI and Innovation.
A dedicated AI unit will be created within this ministry to accelerate the transition to an advanced digital economy.
The government will foster an AI-centric culture by equipping all ministries with AI tools. A budget of Rs 25 million is allocated for this AI program in the public sector.
Start-ups and SMEs can benefit from a tax deduction of up to Rs 150,000 on investments in AI technologies.
National guidelines on AI will be implemented in schools, an AI training program will be launched for teachers and students, and a mandatory AI module will be introduced in all public higher education curricula.

Reactions:

Dr. Heman Mohabeer, Co-Founder & Director of Intelligent Africa Solutions: "The government is taking initiatives to adopt AI. The amendment to the Data Protection Act has already been addressed, as well as the training of civil servants in new technologies. There is a budget allocated for research and development that will promote the adoption of AI. It's a very good budget from a technology perspective. It's a forward-looking budget that will genuinely implement these measures, particularly through the blueprint. We won't be able to do everything at once, but the will is there. The minister has developed a blueprint, and this will accelerate the implementation of AI."