Mauritius has been ranked eighth out of 56 countries in the Ayre Index 2026, which evaluates the readiness of young people for artificial intelligence. With a score of 64.4 points out of 100, Mauritius leads African Commonwealth countries but faces significant data gaps. The index assesses conditions for 15- to 29-year-olds to benefit from AI, including digital access, education, employment, entrepreneurship, protections, and ability to use tools.
The Ayre Index, published on November 5 by the Ayre Think Tank, compares national environments in terms of connectivity, public policies, education systems, job prospects, and safeguards. Mauritius trails behind Singapore, Malta, Australia, the UK, Canada, Malaysia, and Cyprus but ranks ahead of New Zealand, India, and South Africa. The ranking is based on 61 out of 102 indicators, with an index of data gaps reaching 49.4 out of 100.
The report's authors caution that certain values are estimated or replaced by similar indicators, and the eighth ranking should not be considered an official Commonwealth certification. The index does not directly measure the skills of individual Mauritian youth but rather evaluates the national environment. This ranking is not a test of competencies but rather an assessment of the country's preparedness.
The real challenge for Mauritius lies in transforming its relatively favorable digital infrastructure into skills and opportunities. The report highlights five priorities: making technology affordable, strengthening practical training, linking education to employment and entrepreneurship, developing tools adapted to local languages and needs, and allowing for contestation of automated decisions.
To measure progress, public indicators on acquired skills, professional integration, access outside major establishments, and AI usage by small enterprises would be necessary. The Mauritian government took note of the ranking on November 13, and it remains to be seen how the country will address the identified gaps and priorities.
The next ranking will be particularly useful if statistical coverage improves and results can be linked to actual job creation. The Ayre Index provides a valuable assessment of a country's readiness for AI, but its limitations and data gaps must be acknowledged and addressed.
The government and stakeholders must work together to address the challenges and priorities identified in the report, ensuring that Mauritius can harness the benefits of AI for its young people. By doing so, the country can move beyond its current ranking and create a more favorable environment for AI adoption and innovation.
Key points
- Mauritius ranks eighth in the Ayre Index 2026, leading African Commonwealth countries but facing significant data gaps.
- The report highlights five priorities for Mauritius to improve its AI readiness, including making technology affordable and strengthening practical training.
- The next ranking will be useful if statistical coverage improves and results can be linked to actual job creation.
