National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and FAIR Guidelines (2026)

The National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and FAIR Guidelines is an aspirational, non-binding policy framework launched on 9 April 2026 by the Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation (MITCI), through its newly established AI Unit. The Enacted/Effective dates recorded here reflect the launch and adoption of the strategy, not any legislative enactment. The strategy was co-designed with contributions from the public and private sectors, academia and civil society, and developed with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The centrepiece is the FAIR Guidelines, built on the principles of Fairness, Accountability, Inclusiveness and Integrity, and Responsibility, intended to guide the ethical, transparent and effective development and use of AI across both public and private sectors of the Republic. The strategy establishes a comprehensive governance framework and a central hub for governance, resources and collaboration hosted by the AI Unit (aim.govmu.org), and introduces a Regional AI Marketplace to connect solution providers, startups, businesses and public institutions and accelerate AI development, adoption and deployment. Institutionally, the government will establish the Mauritius Artificial Intelligence Council (MAIC) to steer project execution, monitor socio-economic impact and facilitate collaboration among public, private and international stakeholders. The strategy targets systematic AI integration across priority sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, fintech, transport and citizen services, and aligns with the Digital Transformation Blueprint 2025-2029 and a people-centred approach. It introduces government AI initiatives such as the DIVA AI-powered virtual assistant for public service delivery and an 'AI for All' inclusivity programme, and provides for measures to facilitate startup registration, safeguard the local AI industry and unlock regional opportunities, particularly across the African market. The framework is policy guidance rather than enforceable law; binding AI legislation is not yet in place.

1. 1Introduces the FAIR Guidelines (Fairness, Accountability, Inclusiveness and Integrity, Responsibility) as ethical principles governing AI development and use across public and private sectors
2. 2Provides for establishment of the Mauritius Artificial Intelligence Council (MAIC) to steer implementation and monitor socio-economic impact
3. 3Establishes a government AI Unit and central governance hub (aim.govmu.org) and a Regional AI Marketplace connecting startups, businesses and public institutions
4. 4Targets AI integration across manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, fintech, transport and citizen services
5. 5Aligns with the Digital Transformation Blueprint 2025-2029 and introduces public-service AI tools such as the DIVA virtual assistant and an 'AI for All' programme
6. 6Positions Mauritius as an AI hub for small island states and the African market; developed with UNDP support through multi-stakeholder consultation