The AI Collective, a global non-profit community uniting over 200,000 AI pioneers—founders, researchers, operators, and investors— around the world, is proud to announce the official launch of its Mauritian Chapter. Benefitting from the support of Mauritius Telecom (MT), the event was hosted this Thursday, 22 January, at the Telecom Tower, the company’s headquarters.
The Mauritian Chapter of the AI Collective (MAIC) aims to position the island as a regional AI hub between Africa and Asia. By fostering local talent and strengthening links between academia, students, businesses and public institutions, while connecting Mauritius to the global AI ecosystem, the chapter seeks to develop a skilled AI workforce capable of delivering AI products, solutions and services internationally.
“The future of our economy depends on our ability to lead in AI,” said Pablo Naicker, the Mauritian Chapter Lead of the AI Collective. “Our Mauritian Chapter will empower local experts, nurture talent, and create opportunities to build AI solutions right here on the island for the world.”
For his part, MT CEO Veemal Gungadin highlighted the company’s pride in supporting and sponsoring programs that bolster the national AI ecosystem.
“This initiative aligns with Mauritius Telecom’s mandate to promote AI talent and innovation. AI is a core focus for MT. In fact, a central component of our new strategy is the AI & Compute Corridor, which provides the foundational infrastructure for next-generation digital services, including high-performance computing and AI resources. The Corridor positions Mauritius not just as a consumer of digital innovation but as a producer and host of advanced digital capabilities, supporting enterprises, governments, and innovators across the region,” declared Veemal Gungadin.
He added that with the launch of the Mauritian Chapter, the AI Collective is laying an essential foundation for the success of AI in the country: a local AI community, supporting talent development, encouraging collaboration, and preparing the ecosystem.
The Mauritian Chapter in action
The launch of the MAIC marks the beginning of a series of initiatives including community-led research, workshops, hackathons, and demo nights—all aimed at establishing Mauritius as a center for AI excellence, mirroring its success in financial services.
The founders driving the AI Collective’s Mauritian Chapter
The Mauritian Chapter of the AI Collective is led by Pablo Naicker, whose more than 35 years of global tech experience drive the mission to build a world-class AI talent pool in Mauritius. He is supported by Hanifa Nunhuck, a mathematics and finance student exploring AI and FinTech innovations; Yashawini Curum (Rheea), a software developer and founder fostering a practical, innovation-driven AI community; and Gabriel David-Decker, a branding and graphic design specialist creating cohesive and impactful communications. Together, they are committed to cultivate talent, inspire creativity, and position Mauritius as a rising force in the global AI landscape.
