Mauritius has been ranked eighth out of 56 Commonwealth countries in terms of preparing its youth for artificial intelligence (AI), according to the Ayre Index. The index was presented during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit in Antigua and Barbuda. With a score of 64.4 out of 100, Mauritius surpasses all other African members, including South Africa, Nigeria, Seychelles, Ghana, and Kenya.
The Ayre Index assesses the readiness of countries to integrate AI into their economies, focusing on the preparedness of young people. It is based on 1,128 sources and covers approximately 732 million young individuals. The index was developed by the Ayre Think Tank, founded by Calvin Ayre. Singapore, Malta, and Australia top the rankings, while the United Kingdom and Canada also feature prominently.
Mauritius's ranking of 8th place positions it between Cyprus and New Zealand. The island nation's strong performance is notable given that it faces a significant data deficit, scoring 49.4 out of 100. Only 61 out of 102 indicators were available for Mauritius. Despite this, the authors of the index believe that better AI preparation could add $234 million to Mauritius's GDP over ten years, potentially rising to $355 million in an optimistic scenario.
The Ayre Index provides a comprehensive evaluation of countries' readiness for AI, encompassing various factors that influence the integration of AI into the workforce. The index aims to guide policymakers in developing strategies to prepare their youth for the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. By assessing countries' current standings, the index encourages governments to invest in education and infrastructure that supports AI adoption.
Mauritius's achievement as the top-ranked African country in the Commonwealth for AI readiness reflects its efforts to position itself as a leader in technology and innovation. The government has likely implemented initiatives to promote STEM education and digital literacy among its youth, contributing to its high ranking. Continued investment in these areas will be crucial for sustaining Mauritius's competitive edge.
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit provides a platform for countries to discuss pressing global issues, including technology and sustainable development. The presentation of the Ayre Index during the summit highlights the importance of AI readiness in the modern economy. As AI continues to transform industries, countries must prioritize the development of their young people's skills to remain competitive.
Looking ahead, Mauritius will need to address its data deficit and continue investing in education and infrastructure to maintain its ranking and fully leverage the benefits of AI. By doing so, the country can unlock new economic opportunities and ensure that its youth are equipped to succeed in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Key points
- Mauritius ranks 8th in the Commonwealth for AI readiness, scoring 64.4 out of 100.
- The country faces a significant data deficit, with only 61 out of 102 indicators available.
- Better AI preparation could add $234 million to Mauritius's GDP over ten years.
