BUDGET 2026-27: The seven pillars of the GM’s economic strategy

The government intends to make investment, innovation and economic diversification the main engines of growth in the country. The budget focuses on a strategy structured around seven pillars covering artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, traditional sectors, the blue economy, the business environment and the labor market. Here are the main measures announced.

Pillar 1: Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation The government wants to prepare Mauritius for the artificial intelligence economy and strengthen its position in the field of digital services. The main announcements are:⢠Participation of Mauritius in the Google America-India Connect underwater connectivity program.⢠Discussions with American and European companies specialized in artificial intelligence and the cloud.⢠Gradual generalization of learning tools based on AI in the educational system.⢠Training of 8,000 secondary school teachers in the use of artificial intelligence tools.⢠Provision of learning tools assisted by AI for 12,000 Grade 9 students.⢠Implementation of pilot projects in other primary and secondary classes.⢠Training of 25,000 Mauritians in practical skills related to AI.⢠Training of 5,000 civil servants in use secure use of artificial intelligence.⢠Overall objective of 50,000 Mauritians trained or initiated in AI during the year.â Launch of a Champion of AI program in collaboration with India.⢠Creation of a national AI learning platform, with Rs 25 million.⢠Modernization of the Digital Interactive Virtual Assistant platform.⢠Development of national guidelines on the responsible use of AI.⢠Allocation of Rs 13 million for a cyber forensics laboratory, a national survey on cyber security and the establishment of IT security management systems within of the government.

Pillar 2: Start-ups and SMEs

The second pillar aims to stimulate innovation and further democratize the economy. The measures announced include: - Introduction of a law dedicated to start-ups. - Creation of a dedicated hub within the future special economic zone of Côte d’Or.⢠Establishment of a Start-Up Council bringing together public and private sectors.⢠Creation of an acceleration program within the Economic Development Board.⢠Establishment of a digital patent management system.⢠Introduction of a framework specific for employment in start-ups.⢠Exemption from income tax for ten years from the start of activities.⢠Award of innovation scholarships of up to Rs 500,000 to ten university students.⢠Presentation of an SME Bill.⢠Extension of the exemption