# Mauritius Artificial Intelligence Strategy
November 2018
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A report by the Working Group on Artificial Intelligence
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I | Mauritius Artificial Intelligence Strategy
# Introduction
This report, 'The Mauritius Artificial Strategy', follows Government's dedication towards making AI a cornerstone of the next development model by recognizing the potential of the technology to improve growth, productivity and the quality of life, and makes recommendations to achieve objectives set. The report stems from deliberations held within the Working Group on AI, which is one of the three working groups reporting to a steering committee, set up under the Chairmanship of the Secretary to the Cabinet, to oversee and coordinate implementation of specific budget measures.
The Working Group met for 7 sessions over a month, with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development providing logistical and administrative support while the Economic Development Board acted as secretariat to the Working Group and was responsible for writing the report.
The Working Group, in its discussions, focused:
- The potential applications of AI, in particular by matching the existing and new AI solutions to specific sectors and areas which could be of benefit to the economy
- the unique selling point of Mauritius in terms of AI,
- potential impact of AI,
- the appropriate ecosystem to nurture AI in Mauritius with focus on building collaborative communities,
- labour requirements, skills and technical expertise to sustain the ecosystem,
- the regulatory framework to enable the development of AI as well as possible incentives, fiscal or otherwise.
The members of the Working Group on AI comprised of:
- Mr. Georges Chung-Tick-Kan, Senior Adviser, Prime Minister's Office (Chairman)
- Mr. Anandsingh Acharuz, Director, Ministry of Finance & Economic Development Dr (Mrs) Yanembal Moorghen, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Technology, Communication and Innovation
- Professor Dhanjay Jhurry, Vice-Chancellor, University of Mauritius
- Mr. Charles Cartier, Chairman, Economic Development Board
- Mr. Francois Guibert, Chief Executive Officer, Economic Development Board
- Dr. Arjoon Suddhoo, Executive Director, Mauritius Research Council
- Mr. Kem Mohee, Chief Executive Officer, State Informatics Limited
- Mr Avinash Meetoo, Senior Adviser to the Minister of Technology, Communication and Innovation
Mauritius Artificial Intelligence Strategy
# Executive Summary and Action Plan
- Although the term Artificial Intelligence (AI) was coined in the 1950's, the recent breakthroughs putting in perspective the significant gains that can be achieved to the Economy and society at large have been based on the quantum leap of available data captured and generated by the unprecedented progress in innovative technologies in recent years, as well as quantum increase in computer power.
- It is now widely accepted that Artificial Intelligence is capable of providing solutions to improve productivity globally and in almost every sector, thus pushing the production frontier and GDP potential in a way the steam engine and electricity have done to mankind.