Mauritius commissions pioneering AI Innovation Lab

by HANSLEY NABAB
PORT LOUIS, (CAJ News) – MAURITIUS has inaugurated an Artificial Intelligence Innovation Lab to drive innovation and enhance technology skills development in the country.

The facility, said to be the first of its kind in the island nation, has been unveiled in partnership with STEMpower, an organisation dedicated to establishing centres and lab-based infrastructure for learning science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in Sub-Saharan African countries.

In Mauritius, the lab has been set up in Ebène Cybercity, the technology and business hub in the country.

Dr Avinash Ramtohul, the Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, presided over the event, which also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with STEMpower, marking a collaboration between the government and the organisation.

Ramtohul said the establishment of the AI Innovation Lab was in line with Mauritius’ National AI Strategy (2025-2029) and the Fairness, Accountability, Inclusiveness, Integrity and Responsibility (FAIR) Guidelines.

Launched together in April 2026, these seek to position Mauritius as a modern, high-tech and innovation-driven digital economy.

Ramtohul noted Mauritius had, in December 2025, established the AI Unit to complement the AI Strategy and support the country’s advancement in AI and other emerging technologies.

“The new facility will provide an enabling environment for hands-on learning, experimentation and innovation, while equipping users with practical skills in AI and related fields,” he said at the inauguration on Thursday.

Edwin Kumfa Ngalang, STEMpower Chief Executive Officer, said the lab marked a milestone for the country.

“The facility will contribute to advancing Mauritius’ vision of integrating AI across various sectors,” he said.

The lab will be available to experts, students, technology entrepreneurs and members of civil society.

The facility comprises the AI Training Lab and the Electronic Lab. The training lab is equipped with 24 computers. The electronic lab provides equipment for robotics, design and construction of electronic circuits, smart energy monitoring systems and the development of AI artefacts.

– CAJ News