In 2025, the Global Innovation Index, published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), reveals that Mauritius, ranked 53e worldwide, retains its position as African leader in innovation. 5G, sovereign cloud, cybersecurity centers, data centers, artificial intelligence… Mauritius aims to establish itself on the world stage as the region’s benchmark tech hub. A survey of industry players on the implications and viability of such an aspiration.
Artificial intelligence: where does Maurice stand?
AI is on everyone’s lips and could well become the catalyst for Mauritius’s tech hub – if the island manages to negotiate this essential shift in time and capitalize on this valuable tool. Jean Jacques André, Director of WorkN’Play, a French startup specializing in business intelligence and AI, and Director of MauBank Holdings Ltd, takes stock. Eugénie Sauzier-de Rosnay
Do you think the island has what it takes to compete with other regional hubs?
Mauritius has exceptional assets: universal access to electricity (unique in Africa), an Internet penetration rate of 79.50%, and perfect gender parity in ICT employment (50.1% women). However, to compete with Dubai or Singapore requires a major strategic transformation.
What’s the current state of AI integration in the enterprise?
Awareness is growing. Mauritius has 1 AI patent, $22 million in investment, and the government is building a central AI unit (Rs 25 million budget). Globally, 69% of organizations are integrating chatbots and virtual assistants, while 36% are developing proprietary models.
Which sectors of the Mauritian economy could benefit most quickly?
Finance will benefit from automated credit assessment and fraud detection. Tourism can optimize revenues according to seasonal demand. Logistics and agriculture will also benefit from algorithmic optimization.
Is it a reliable enough tool to be fully integrated into processes?
Absolutely. Crossing the 75.8% reliability threshold transforms AI from an experimental tool into a strategic infrastructure. The question is no longer “if” but “how” to adopt it. It’s hard to make up for lost time.
Is it in Mauritius’ interest to develop its own AI models, or to become an integration hub?
A dual strategy is essential. Mauritius must excel in multi-platform orchestration and integration, combining generic solutions for standard needs and proprietary models for regulated sectors (finance, healthcare, legal). This approach maximizes efficiency while preserving digital sovereignty.
Ambitions and challenges
In recent years, new technologies in Mauritius have experienced an unprecedented boom. State-of-the-art infrastructure, massive investment, AI innovations… The island’s ambition is to become a benchmark technology hub for the region, and on paper it ticks a lot of boxes… But is infrastructure enough to make this dream come true?
178% internet penetration (double recurring subscriptions) according to ICTA figures, 5G coverage among the highest in Africa, submarine cables, satellite stations, cybersecurity centers operating 24/7, RegTech platforms: the Mauritian technology ecosystem is consolidating. Yet, between massive investment and digital transformation challenges, what is the reality on the ground?
A regional pioneer in connectivity
International rankings place Mauritius among the African countries best prepared for the digital transition. According to the island’s two operators, Mauritius Telecom and Emtel, we cannot claim to be a regional tech hub without state-of-the-art infrastructure. “Access to connectivity is a fundamental right in a modern society,” says Veemal Gungadin, CEO of Mauritius Telecom.
The incumbent operator invests Rs 3 billion annually in its network infrastructure. A proponent of 5G with 90% coverage, a fiber and 4G network serving all inhabited areas (includingRodrigues), and SAFE, LION and T3 submarine cables, the company is also targeting digital inclusion through numerous initiatives: 350 free Wi-Fi hotspots, free packages for 18-25 year olds, support for vulnerable households… The operator is also redefining the cell phone sector by launching the first trials of 5.5G technology.
Gold Sponsor of the AI Hackathon, which is coming to Mauritius for the first time, the CEO has a clear vision: “Artificial intelligence has become the foundation on which Mauritius Telecom’s transformation is built,” he says. By developing the skills of its teams and Mauritian youth, the company intends to build, brick by brick, a fair and sustainable technological transition.
Faced with this incumbent operator, Emtel is cultivating its pioneering DNA. First mobile operator in the southern hemisphere (1989), first in Africa for 3G (2004), then 4G (2012), the company also boasts 90% 5G coverage. A founding member of the METISS cable, the company has also invested in capacity linking East and West Africa. Our partnership with Eutelsat Group has enabled us to set up the first satellite station in Mauritius, covering 3,500 kilometers.
For Kresh Goomany, CEO of Emtel, the island’s technological lead must be maintained if it is to become Africa’s innovation laboratory. “Our size is actually an asset: Mauritius can act quickly, experiment and demonstrate what a connected, forward-looking African nation can achieve,” he says. In his view, this ambition also involves contributing to a more resilient and inclusive digital ecosystem, as illustrated by the “Changing Lives” award the operator received for Agaléga, but also by essential cooperation between the various stakeholders.
Cybersecurity, cyber-resilience… cyber-sovereignty?
“Cybersecurity is now the cornerstone of any technological ambition, as it not only protects sensitive data, but also establishes the necessary credibility on the international stage,” confides Ashiss Soobhug, Head of Cybersecurity Advisory Services at Rogers Capital Technology. In other words, without it, there can be no tech hub… For the latter, it’s not a question of competing with other African countries, some of which excel in the development of innovation and start-up ecosystems, but rather of seeking regional complementarity – a concept which has also been materialized by the establishment of Rogers Capital Technology in Rwanda, consolidating the image of Mauritius as a cybersecurity exporter for the region.
“By strengthening our local cybersecurity skills and building balanced partnerships rather than dependencies, Mauritius can be both sovereign and connected,” he continues. While the island has a mature technological infrastructure, a stable regulatory framework, a geostrategic position and growing expertise in cybersecurity, training and retaining talent is a major challenge. New technologies, such as artificial intelligence, also promise to be game-changers in terms of both cyber resilience and cyber threats.
Despite this, the path seems mapped out, according to Ashiss, who sees the island evolving into three complementary roles: first, a cybersecurity managed services hub (MSSP) offering continuous monitoring and protection for regional organizations. “Second, a strategic and technical consultancy service to support regional companies in cybersecurity and, finally, a research and development laboratory where local expertise can innovate in the face of emerging threats,” he concludes.
Between potential and obstacles
Mauritian software innovation emerges. Founded in 2009 with offices in Kenya and Madagascar, Cybernaptics illustrates how a Mauritian tech company can turn its size into an asset. In 2023, the company launched Algorythmics, the first RegTech platform developed in Mauritius. Using AI, machine learning and data science, it automates compliance (FATCA, CRS, AML) and transforms regulatory constraints into a competitive advantage.
“With a population of 1.3 million, Mauritius doesn’t have the market size of India or Kenya. But this reality has pushed us to be more agile, more innovative and closer to concrete needs”, says the company. Its modular solutions, developed for the highly regulated Mauritian market, are now being exported to Africa, where it also draws on its expertise. “The country abounds in skilled and rigorous talent, capable of developing cutting-edge solutions. However, the global demand for AI, machine learning and data science experts is such that it is becoming essential to open up to a regional ecosystem,” she continues.
A lot of potential, but also a lot of obstacles… After 25 years in the digital sector and 10 years as a director of SMEs in the tech industry, Vincent Rose, a partner in Zoho – a renowned CRM software – draws a bleaker picture: cultural resistance, aggressive negotiation, flight of talent to better-paid international companies. “Unfortunately, our local skills don’t find their way into the companies that are helping our country to develop”, he laments, questioning the reality of the Mauritian tech hub beyond the rhetoric.
Technology at the service of management
Novotecs, specialized in the development of customized software packages and the implementation of innovative solutions, supports Mauritian companies in meeting their current and future needs. In addition to the implementation of Odoo ERP, it also offers ProAct CMMS, optimizing corrective, preventive and predictive equipment maintenance, improving technician efficiency and extending asset life. Its Medinov solution, a medical CRM dedicated to healthcare professionals, facilitates patient management, case tracking, appointment scheduling and communication, while optimizing organization for better quality of care.
Nurturing tomorrow’s talent
While Mauritius has a solid infrastructure that points the way to its emergence as a regional tech hub, this objective is not based on cables and data centers alone. data centers. How can this ecosystem be kept alive? Is Mauritius training the talent it needs? From primary to higher education, a training pipeline is taking shape, with its strengths and weaknesses.
Mauritius Telecom not only connects people, it also trains the talents of the future. On October 27, its mytGPT Education platform was launched in eight schools in Mauritius and one in Rodrigues. The aim: to offer a personalized teaching assistant to pupils and innovative tools to teachers. “In a world where artificial intelligence is redefining the way we learn and work, it’s essential to prepare the next generation,” says Veemal Gungadin, CEO of Mauritius Telecom, which also supports Learn-AI, a national initiative for Grade 12 students.
But tech literacy starts long before high school. Founded in June 2025, Honey Badger IT embodies this conviction: technological literacy must become a basic skill. “To train a generation that is truly involved in technology, it’s essential that they discover and understand this world as early as possible,” explains company founder Cyrille Le Corre. With courses in coding, cybersecurity, electronics and AI starting at the age of 8, the company proposes to bridge the gap in the school system’s response time by making training more accessible!
Finally, ALCHE (African Leadership College) aims to train leaders. “Training a technological leader requires more than technical training. They need to find a meaningful purpose, a sense of ethics, and the ability to connect products, people and communities,” explains Veda Sunassee, CEO of ALCHE. Welcoming students from over 30 African countries, the university boasts impressive results: Over 216 unique startups have been launched, creating 52,000 jobs, and 79% of graduates are employed within six months.
“The problem in Mauritius is not a lack of talent, but the mismatch between skills, tools and context,” he asserts – a gap bridged by hands-on learning and employer partnerships. “To make Mauritius a true land of opportunity, we need increased local demand for innovation, experimental regulatory zones and residency pathways for international graduates,” he concludes.
When AI reforms cashiering!
Like everywhere else in the world, the digital transformation of our island is also underway. Some are enthusiastic, others are still hesitant… Modernization, however, can’t wait. Philippe Méliet, founder and CEO of XL-ent, a Mauritian tech company specializing in digital cash solutions, explains how the sector is changing in the age of artificial intelligence and new technologies.
Increasingly present in our lives, AI is an efficient, high-performance tool that’s just waiting to be integrated into business operations. “It enables the automation of complex tasks such as stock management, supplier orders, accounting or the creation of product/price databases,” explains Philippe. While there are still a few obstacles in the way, particularly among small retailers, he has also observed a marked acceleration in demand over the past few months.
According to him, the various Mauritian sectors – restaurants, hotels, retail, etc. – are for the most part catching up – another step towards digital maturity! For the checkout specialist, AI also plays a strategic role in the POS (Point of Sale), already constituting a complete management assistant enabling managers and teams to concentrate on their core business.
Artificial intelligence isn’t limited to merchants’ internal operations, however: at XL-ent, it’s also used to supervise thousands of checkouts deployed across the island in real time, making it possible to anticipate technical worries before they’re even visible to teams. In 2026, the company also plans to launch, with iMin, the very first AI POS, a new generation of intelligent terminals capable of analyzing, predicting and optimizing sales operations in real time, and managing both physical store and online activity simultaneously.
While digitalization seems to be well underway, the key is to support this change. “Going from paper to digital POS requires a real effort to adapt,” he says. Having already trained more than 2,500 Mauritians in the use of the new POS technologies, the company intends to democratize digital by offering advantageous solutions adapted to the Mauritian context. “Digital is not a constraint, it’s an opportunity. And artificial intelligence plays a fundamental role here – an evolution that we support on a daily basis to make life easier for our customers”, concludes Philippe.
Laying the Foundations of an Ever-Changing System
In 2025, the Global Innovation Index, published by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), reveals that Mauritius, ranked 53rd globally, maintains its position as Africa’s innovation leader. 5G, sovereign cloud, cybersecurity centers, data centers, artificial intelligence… The country indeed aspires to establish itself on the world stage as the region’s go-to tech hub. We investigate with industry stakeholders the implications and viability of such an ambition.
Artificial Intelligence: Where Does Mauritius Stand?
AI is on everyone’s lips and could well emerge as the catalyst for Mauritius’ tech hub ambitions-provided the island manages to navigate this crucial turning point in time and harness this valuable tool. Jean Jacques André, Director of WorkN’Play, a French startup specialising in economic intelligence and AI, and Director of MauBank Holdings Ltd, takes stock of the situation.
Do you believe the island has what it takes to compete with other regional hubs?
Mauritius boasts exceptional assets: universal access to electricity (unique in Africa), an internet penetration rate of 79.50%, and perfect gender parity in ICT employment (50.1% women). However, competing with Dubai or Singapore requires a major strategic transformation.
Where do we stand regarding AI integration in business?
Awareness is accelerating. Mauritius has 1 AI patent, $22 million in investments, and the government is building a central AI unit (Rs 25 million budget). Overall, 69% of organisations are integrating chatbots and virtual assistants, whilst 36% are developing proprietary models.
Which Mauritian economic sectors could benefit most rapidly?
Finance will benefit from automated creditworthiness assessment and fraud detection. Tourism can optimise revenue according to seasonal demand. Logistics and agriculture will also benefit from algorithmic optimisation.
Is it reliable enough to be fully integrated into processes?
Absolutely. Crossing the 75.8% reliability threshold transforms AI from an experimental tool into strategic infrastructure. The question is no longer ‘if’ but ‘how’ to adopt it. Lost ground is difficult to make up.
Should Mauritius develop its own AI models or become an integration hub?
A dual strategy is essential. Mauritius must excel in orchestration and multi-platform integration, combining generic solutions for standard needs with proprietary models for regulated sectors (finance, health, legal). This approach maximizes efficiency whilst preserving digital sovereignty.
Ambitions and Challenges
In recent years, new technologies have experienced an unprecedented surge in Mauritius. State-of-the-art infrastructure, massive investments, AI innovations… The island aspires to become a leading regional tech hub and, on paper, ticks many boxes… But is infrastructure alone enough to realise this dream?
With 178% internet penetration (due to double subscriptions) according to ICTA, one of Africa’s highest 5G coverage rates, submarine cables, satellite stations, 24/7 cybersecurity centers and RegTech platforms, Mauritius’ technological ecosystem is consolidating. Yet between massive investments and digital transformation challenges, what is the reality on the ground?
A Regional Connectivity Pioneer
International rankings place Mauritius amongst the African countries best prepared for digital transition. According to the island’s two operators, Mauritius Telecom and Emtel, aspiring to become a regional tech hub requires cutting-edge infrastructure. Access to connectivity is a fundamental right in a modern society,’ affirms Veemal Gungadin, CEO of Mauritius Telecom.
The historic operator invests Rs 3 billion annually in network infrastructure. With 90% 5G coverage, fibre and 4G networks serving all inhabited areas including Rodrigues, and SAFE, LION and T3 submarine cables, the company pursues digital inclusion through 350 free Wi-Fi hotspots, free packages for 18-to-25-year-olds, and support for vulnerable households. The operator is also launching 5.5G technology trials.
As Gold Sponsor of the AI Hackathon making its Mauritian debut, the CEO has a clear vision: ‘Artificial intelligence has become the foundation upon which Mauritius Telecom’s transformation is built.’ By developing skills amongst its teams and Mauritian youth, the company aims to build a fair and sustainable technological transition.
Emtel cultivates its pioneer DNA. The Southern Hemisphere’s first mobile operator (1989), Africa’s first for 3G (2004) then 4G (2012), the company boasts 90% 5G coverage. A founding member of the METISS cable with investments linking East and West Africa, its Eutelsat Group partnership established Mauritius’ first satellite ground station, covering 3,500 kilometres.
For Kresh Goomany, Emtel’s CEO, maintaining the island’s technological advantage is crucial to becoming Africa’s innovation laboratory. Our size is actually an asset: Mauritius can act quickly, experiment and demonstrate what a connected African nation can achieve. This ambition involves contributing to a more resilient and inclusive digital ecosystem, illustrated by the ‘Changing Lives’ award for Agaléga.
Cybersecurity, Cyber-Resilience… Cyber-Sovereignty?
Cybersecurity is the pillar of any technological ambition, protecting sensitive data whilst establishing necessary international credibility,’ confides Ashiss Soobhug, Head of Cybersecurity Advisory Services at Rogers Capital Technology. Without it, no tech hub exists.
Rather than competing with other African countries excelling in innovation ecosystems, Rogers Capital seeks regional complementarity-materialised through its Rwanda presence, positioning Mauritius as a cybersecurity exporter. By strengthening local cybersecurity skills and establishing balanced partnerships rather than dependencies, Mauritius can be both sovereign and connected.
Whilst possessing mature infrastructure, stable regulation, geostrategic positioning and growing expertise, training and retaining talent remains challenging. AI promises to transform both cyber-resilience and cyber-threats.
Ashiss sees the island evolving towards three roles: an MSSP hub offering continuous regional protection, strategic and technical consulting services, and an R&D laboratory innovating against emerging threats.
Between Potential and Barriers
Mauritian software innovation emerges through companies like Cybernaptics, founded in 2009 with offices in Kenya and Madagascar. In 2023, it launched Algorythmics, Mauritius’ first RegTech platform. Using AI, machine learning and data science, it automates compliance and transforms regulatory constraints into competitive advantages.
With 1.3 million inhabitants, Mauritius lacks India or Kenya’s market size. But this pushed us to be more agile, innovative and closer to concrete needs,’ the company affirms. Its modular solutions, developed for Mauritius’ highly regulated market, now export to Africa. The country abounds with competent talent. However, global demand for AI and data science experts necessitates opening to a regional ecosystem.’
Yet barriers persist. After 25 years in digital, Vincent Rose, Zoho partner, paints a darker picture: cultural resistance, aggressive negotiations, talent flight towards better-paying international companies. Unfortunately, our local skills don’t enter companies that help our country develop,’ he regrets, questioning the tech hub reality beyond rhetoric.
Technology in Service Management
Novotecs, specialising in bespoke software and innovative solutions, supports Mauritian businesses’ current and future needs. Beyond Odoo ERP implementation, it offers ProAct CMMS, optimising equipment maintenance and extending asset lifespan, and Medinov, a medical CRM facilitating patient management whilst optimising organisation for better quality care.
Nurturing Tomorrow’s Talent
Whilst Mauritius boasts robust infrastructure that hints at its emergence as a regional tech hub, this ambition is not built on cables and data centers alone. How do we bring this ecosystem to life? Is Mauritius developing the talent it needs? From primary through to higher education, a training pipeline is taking shape, complete with its strengths and shortcomings.
Beyond connectivity, Mauritius Telecom is also shaping tomorrow’s talent. Last 27th October, its mytGPT Education platform was rolled out across eight schools in Mauritius and one in Rodrigues. The aim: to provide pupils with a personalised learning assistant and teachers with innovative tools. ‘In a world where artificial intelligence is reshaping how we learn and work, preparing the next generation is crucial,’ says Veemal Gungadin, CEO of Mauritius Telecom, which also backs Learn-AI, a national initiative for Grade 12 students.
But tech education begins well before secondary school. Established in June 2025, Honey Badger IT embodies this belief: technological literacy must become a core skill. To nurture a generation truly engaged with technology, discovering and understanding this world as early as possible is crucial,’ explains Cyrille Le Corre, the company’s founder. Offering coding, cybersecurity, electronics and AI training from age 8 onwards, the company seeks to bridge the gap left by the education system’s response time by making training more accessible.
Finally, ALCHE (African Leadership College) aims to develop leaders. Training a technology leader requires more than technical skills. They need to find meaningful purpose, a sense of ethics, and the ability to connect products, people and communities,’ explains Veda Sunassee, ALCHE’s CEO. Welcoming students from over 30 African countries, the university boasts impressive results: more than 216 unique start-ups have been launched, creating 52,000 jobs, with 79% of graduates employed within six months.
‘The issue in Mauritius is not a lack of talent, but a mismatch between skills, tools and context,’ he notes-a gap bridged through hands-on learning and employer partnerships. To make Mauritius a genuine land of opportunity, we need stronger local demand for innovation, regulatory sandboxes and residency pathways for international graduates,’ he concludes.
When AI Transforms Point-of-Sale Systems!
Like everywhere else across the globe, our island’s digital transformation is also underway. Some are enthusiastic, others still hesitant… Yet modernisation waits for no one. Philippe Méliet, founder and director of XL-ent, a Mauritian tech company specialising in digital point-of-sale solutions, decipher the sector’s changes in the age of artificial intelligence and new technologies.
Increasingly present in our lives, AI is an efficient and powerful tool just waiting to be integrated into business operations. It enables the automation of complex tasks such as stock management, supplier orders, accounting or creating product/price databases,’ Philippe explains. Whilst some barriers remain, particularly amongst small retailers, he has also observed a marked acceleration in demand over recent months.
In his view, Mauritius’ various sectors-catering, hospitality, retail…-are largely catching up on lost ground-another step towards digital maturity! For this point-of-sale specialist, AI also plays a strategic role in POS (Point of Sale) systems, already functioning as a comprehensive management assistant that allows managers and teams to focus on their core business.
However, artificial intelligence is not limited to retailers’ internal operations: at XL-ent, it is also used to monitor thousands of tills deployed across the island in real time, enabling technical issues to be anticipated before they are even visible to teams. In 2026, the company also plans to launch, with iMin, the very first AI POS-a new generation of intelligent terminals capable of analysing, predicting and optimising commercial operations in real time, whilst managing both physical shop and online activity simultaneously.
Whilst digitalisation appears well underway, the key is supporting this change. Moving from paper notebooks to digital POS requires genuine adaptation effort,’ he says. Having already trained over 2,500 Mauritians in using new POS technologies, the company aims to democratise digital by offering advantageous solutions tailored to the Mauritian context. Digital is not a constraint; it is an opportunity. And artificial intelligence plays a fundamental role here-an evolution we support daily to make our customers’ lives easier,’ Philippe concludes.
