Mauritius has announced a significant initiative to support young citizens' access to online learning resources and educational tools through enhanced connectivity.

The country’s minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, Renganaden Padayachy said the government will provide free monthly mobile data packages to all Mauritian citizens aged 18 to 25 years.

The measure is part of government plans to enhance digital access and connectivity for the youth, facilitating their engagement in educational, professional, and social activities.

Mauritius’ commitment to empowering the youth and fostering digital inclusion is part of the island’s efforts to invest in education, and the youth, in particular.

“Our youth is our future, we have made education completely free from pre-primary to university and launched an Independence Scheme through a one-off grant of Rs 20,000 ($430) at the age of majority,” said Padayachy.

The provision of free mobile data for young Mauritians is expected to positively impact several aspects of young people's lives and contribute to bridging the digital divide. This is despite the fact that Mauritius already boasts an impressive 82.58% internet penetration.

The government has assigned the Mauritius Revenue Authority with the crucial task of facilitating the distribution of free monthly mobile data packages to young Mauritians.

Under the initiative, the revenue service will provide a dedicated platform through which eligible youths can submit their applications.

To qualify for the free monthly mobile data package, young Mauritians must be citizens, and be no older than 25 years during the month they apply to receive the free mobile data package.

The minister emphasised that the eligibility criteria will ensure that the programme specifically targets the youth population within the country.