On October 1, 2026, a ceremony was held at the Media Trust in Mauritius to award certificates to journalists who completed a two-day training session on artificial intelligence. The workshop, led by Julien Guillot-Sestier, aimed to equip local journalists with the skills to effectively utilize AI technologies while maintaining the fundamental ethics of journalism. The event was attended by representatives from the Media Trust, the French Embassy, and the Institut Français de Maurice.
The training session covered various aspects of AI, including its rapid evolution and impact on journalism. With AI-generated content becoming increasingly accessible and affordable, the role of journalists is shifting towards verification, certification, and investigative work. The trainer emphasized that journalists' true value now lies in their ability to verify information and conduct in-depth investigations. The workshop provided participants with practical skills and knowledge to navigate the changing media landscape.
During the training, participants engaged in hands-on activities, including tests comparing different AI models such as DeepSeek, Claude, and Gemini. These exercises highlighted variations in responses based on language and algorithm origin, demonstrating the importance of understanding AI biases. Additionally, participants learned to detect deepfakes and voice cloning, and practiced effective prompting for assisted writing. These skills will enable journalists to work more efficiently and accurately in the future.
The training session also focused on the practical applications of AI in journalism. Participants learned how to use AI to streamline repetitive tasks and assist with writing, such as reproducing specific styles of oratory applicable to social issues. The workshop provided a platform for journalists to share experiences and best practices in using AI tools. By leveraging AI effectively, journalists can enhance the quality and accuracy of their work.
Shehzad Ali Joomun, Secretary of the Media Trust, emphasized that this training marks the beginning of a structured approach to AI adoption in Mauritian journalism. Plans are underway to establish a charter that will guide the responsible use of AI in newsrooms. A meeting with editors-in-chief is scheduled to discuss the charter's development and implementation. This initiative aims to promote a culture of responsible AI use and combat misinformation.
The French Embassy and Institut Français de Maurice have expressed their support for the initiative, reaffirming their commitment to a free, informed, and responsible press. The diplomatic representatives praised the journalists' engagement and enthusiasm for the training. The finalized charter is expected to be officially presented on November 9, 2026, at the Institut Français de Maurice. This event will mark a significant milestone in the development of AI guidelines for Mauritian journalism.
The AI training program is part of a broader effort to enhance media literacy and combat misinformation in Mauritius. By equipping journalists with the skills to effectively utilize AI, the initiative aims to promote a more informed and engaged public. The Media Trust, French Embassy, and Institut Français de Maurice are working together to support a responsible and innovative press. The impact of this initiative will be closely watched as it unfolds.
Key points
- Journalists in Mauritius receive AI training to enhance verification and investigative work.
- A charter is being developed to guide the responsible use of AI in Mauritian newsrooms.
- The initiative is supported by the French Embassy and Institut Français de Maurice.
