Mauritius Telecom Supports AI Collective Initiative to Develop Local AI Workforce

The AI Collective, a global non-profit community uniting over 200,000 AI pioneers—founders, researchers, operators, and investors—has officially launched its Mauritian Chapter. Supported by Mauritius Telecom (MT), the event took place on Thursday, January 22, at the Telecom Tower, the company's headquarters.

The Mauritian Chapter of the AI Collective (MAIC) aims to establish the island as a regional AI hub between Africa and Asia. It focuses on nurturing local talent and enhancing connections between academia, students, businesses, and public institutions, while linking Mauritius to the global AI ecosystem. The chapter aspires to cultivate a skilled AI workforce capable of delivering AI products, solutions, and services on an international scale.

"The future of our economy relies on our ability to excel in AI," stated Pablo Naicker, the Mauritian Chapter Lead of the AI Collective. "Our chapter will empower local experts, nurture talent, and create opportunities to develop AI solutions right here on the island for the world."

MT's CEO, Veemal Gungadin, expressed pride in the company's support for initiatives that strengthen the national AI ecosystem.

"This initiative aligns with Mauritius Telecom's mission to promote AI talent and innovation. AI is a central focus for MT. A key part of our new strategy is the AI & Compute Corridor, which provides essential infrastructure for next-generation digital services, including high-performance computing and AI resources. This Corridor positions Mauritius not just as a consumer of digital innovation but as a producer and host of advanced digital capabilities, serving enterprises, governments, and innovators across the region," Gungadin declared.

He added that by launching the Mauritian Chapter, the AI Collective is laying a crucial foundation for the success of AI in the country: a local AI community that fosters talent development, encourages collaboration, and prepares the ecosystem.

The Mauritian Chapter in Action

The launch of the MAIC marks the beginning of various initiatives, including community-led research, workshops, hackathons, and demo nights—all designed to establish Mauritius as a center for AI excellence, paralleling its success in financial services.

The Founders Driving the AI Collective's Mauritian Chapter

The Mauritian Chapter of the AI Collective is led by Pablo Naicker, who brings over 35 years of global tech experience to the mission of creating a world-class AI talent pool in Mauritius. He is joined by Hanifa Nunhuck, a mathematics and finance student exploring AI and FinTech innovations; Yashawini Curum (Rheea), a software developer and founder fostering a practical, innovation-driven AI community; and Gabriel David-Decker, a branding and graphic design expert focused on creating cohesive and impactful communications. Together, they are dedicated to cultivating talent, inspiring creativity, and positioning Mauritius as a rising force in the global AI landscape.