By Tyndale Muchiya
The Africa Export of ICT Services Roadshow, culminating in Zambia after successful engagements in Namibia and Botswana, has underscored Mauritius’ strategic vision to position itself as Africa’s trusted digital partner.
Commenting on this development, Mauritius Minister of Information Technology, Communication, and Innovation, Dr. Hon. Avinash Ramtohul, highlighted the nation’s commitment to advancing digital transformation, responsible artificial intelligence (AI), and public-private-people partnerships across the continent.
According to information made available to the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, the Mauritius Minister of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation, Dr. Hon. Avinash Ramtohul, emphasized that the roadshow forms part of a wider strategy anchored in the Digital Transformation Blueprint 2025–2029.
“We are not just exporting services, but trust, governance, and capability,” he stated. He noted that Mauritius is poised to launch its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and FAIR Guidelines, aiming to set standards for responsible AI deployment and data governance. These frameworks will ensure Mauritius is not only a user, but also a shaper, of AI policy and practice in Africa.
The Minister outlined a three-pillar approach: trusted data governance, responsible AI, and partnership-driven execution via the Public-Private-People Partnership (PPPP) model. AI, he noted, is an enabler for collaboration in sectors such as fintech, agriculture, healthcare, and education, provided it is deployed ethically and tailored to local realities. “Mauritius is positioning itself as a platform for co-development, working with African partners to build scalable digital ecosystems,” Ramtohul said.
Commenting on the hybrid engagement model, Minister Ramtohul, said the roadshow’s hybrid format, combining a virtual ministerial keynote with in-person business-to-business meetings, demonstrated Mauritius’ innovative approach to cross-border partnership. “This model shows our maturity in balancing strategic direction with concrete business execution,” said Minister Ramtohul.
he added that Government leadership opens doors and builds trust, while the private sector brings solutions, innovation, and commercial discipline. “This hybrid model, supported by Mauritius’ digital governance and forthcoming AI architecture, enables the country to engage more African markets, more regularly, with an optimal blend of diplomacy and deal-making.”
With eleven Mauritian companies showcasing solutions in fintech, cybersecurity, and e-governance, Minister Ramtohul stressed that success will be measured by conversion, turning connections into commercial agreements, pilot projects, joint ventures, and regional market-entry partnerships. He further added that structured follow-up mechanisms are in place at commercial, institutional, and strategic levels to ensure sustained impact.
Mauritius’ approach is to integrate export promotion with broader national priorities such as AI, data governance, and digital public infrastructure.
“The deeper lesson from this initiative is that Africa must now be approached as a long-term partnership space, not as a one-off export destination. The roadshow across Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia demonstrates that Mauritius is willing to engage the continent with seriousness and consistency. “Going forward, the next phase should be even more targeted: sector-focused missions, stronger matchmaking around AI and digital public solutions, follow-up business forums, investment facilitation and deeper cooperation with innovation ecosystems, regulators and public institutions across Africa.” Minister Ramtohul.
