Mauritius has launched its National Data Strategy 2025–2029, setting out a roadmap to strengthen data governance, protect citizens online and reinforce trust in the country’s growing digital economy, authorities said.
The strategy was unveiled on Jan. 28 to mark World Data Protection Day and is being led by the Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation in collaboration with the Data Protection Office. Officials described the plan as a key step toward building what they called a “new era of trust” in the use of data across both public and private sectors.
Mauritius has in recent years positioned itself as a regional technology and business hub, investing in digital infrastructure and e-government services while promoting data-driven innovation. Authorities say the new strategy is designed to ensure that the expansion of data use is accompanied by strong safeguards, clear governance frameworks and enhanced cybersecurity.
The 2025–2029 roadmap places a strong emphasis on responsible data governance, cybercrime prevention and the protection of personal data, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children and young people who face rising risks in online environments.
According to officials, the strategy aims to balance economic development with privacy and security, as data becomes an increasingly valuable asset in areas ranging from public administration and healthcare to finance, education and digital services.
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Key pillars of the strategy include strengthening institutional coordination around data management, improving compliance with data protection laws and enhancing the capacity of public institutions to collect, process and share data securely.
The government said it will also focus on improving data literacy and awareness among citizens, businesses and public servants, helping users better understand their rights and responsibilities in a digital society.
Cybercrime prevention features prominently in the roadmap, as Mauritius responds to a global rise in online fraud, data breaches and cyberattacks. Authorities said the strategy will support stronger enforcement mechanisms, improved reporting systems and closer cooperation between regulators, law enforcement agencies and international partners.
Protecting young people online is another priority. Officials said the strategy includes measures aimed at reducing exposure to harmful content, preventing the misuse of personal data and strengthening safeguards around digital platforms commonly used by children and adolescents.
Mauritius already has a legal framework governing data protection, including legislation aligned with international standards such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Authorities say the new strategy builds on these foundations by translating legal principles into coordinated action across government and the private sector.
The Data Protection Office will play a central role in overseeing implementation, monitoring compliance and engaging with stakeholders, including businesses, civil society and technology providers.
Analysts say the strategy reflects a broader trend among African and small island economies seeking to leverage data for development while addressing growing concerns about privacy, cybersecurity and digital rights.
Across the continent, governments are increasingly adopting national data strategies as part of wider digital transformation agendas, driven by the expansion of mobile connectivity, cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
For Mauritius, maintaining trust is seen as critical to sustaining its attractiveness as a destination for investment, outsourcing and cross-border digital services. The country has positioned itself as a gateway between Africa and global markets, with data protection standards often cited as a competitive advantage.
Officials said the strategy will also support innovation by encouraging the ethical and secure use of data in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and advanced analytics, while ensuring that such technologies are deployed in line with national values and legal requirements.
Implementation of the strategy will be phased over the 2025–2029 period, with regular reviews to assess progress and adapt to evolving technological and regulatory developments.
The government said it will work closely with international partners and regional organisations to share best practices and align Mauritius’s data governance framework with global standards.
As digitalisation accelerates, authorities said the success of the strategy will depend not only on regulation but also on building public confidence that personal data is being handled transparently, securely and in the public interest.
By placing trust at the centre of its data policy, Mauritius aims to ensure that data-driven growth delivers economic and social benefits without compromising the rights and safety of its citizens, officials said.
