Africa-Press – Mauritius. As Artificial Intelligence (AI) reshapes the global power structure, we cannot act in silos. AI holds enormous promise but also carries major risks requiring new governance frameworks through international coordination. This is precisely why strategic international partnerships must be set up”.
The Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, made this statement, today, in New Delhi, India, during the ‘Leaders’ Plenary – Global Vision for AI Impact and Governance’ of the AI Impact Summit 2026 which is being held from 17 to 22 February.
Prime Minister Ramgoolam warned that widening technological disparities between developed and developing nations could have far-reaching consequences. He stressed that the growing AI divide is already placing developing countries at a disadvantage, threatening their development prospects and compounding existing socio-economic challenges.
While describing AI as a structural pillar of future development, he underlined its vast potential to enhance public service delivery, strengthen decision-making, optimise resource management, bolster climate resilience and unlock new avenues for growth. However, he cautioned that AI also raises critical issues relating to ethics, governance, equity and trust.
Dr Ramgoolam underlined that without the relevant infrastructure, developing countries, in particular Small Island Developing States, are already disadvantaged in areas such as education, health and trade, and will fall further behind. He emphasised that small economies thus need rapid upskilling in order to stay competitive.
In this regard, the Prime Minister indicated that Government has published the ‘Mauritius Digital Transformation Blueprint 2025-2029’ as a bridge to the future. It is a strategic roadmap outlining Government’s commitment to modernising public services and empowering our people through technology despite our limited resources, he stated.
Moreover, he underscored that Government is establishing a Specialised Economic Zone dedicated to digital technology and AI, designed to serve as a platform not only for Mauritius but for the wider region, especially for Africa.
The Leaders’ Plenary brings together world leaders for strategic discussions on the future of AI. Key themes include: AI governance and global cooperation; Balancing innovation with responsibility; and AI’s role in economic growth and social impact.
