Zaahira Ebramjee, Head of National Economic Collaboration at Business Mauritius

“A crucial opportunity for bridging the gap between theory and practice”

At the ShiftXchange 2024 International Conference, Zaahira Ebramjee, Head of National Economic Collaboration at Business Mauritius, set the tone for an event focused on bridging the gap between academic theory and practical business solutions. With Mauritius striving to become a global smart island, she stressed the importance of addressing the growing digital skills gap, particularly in fields like AI and data science, where local competencies must align with the evolving demands of the digital economy. Business Mauritius is spearheading several initiatives, such as the ‘Business LINK’ procurement platform and a national ‘AI-for-ALL’ campaign, aimed at fostering digital integration and ensuring inclusive leadership.

The opening of ShiftXchange 2024, hosted at Middlesex University Mauritius, brought together a dynamic blend of industry experts, scholars, and policymakers to explore the future of leadership in the context of digital transformation. The event, held from August 27-30, provided a platform for collaboration between academia and the private sector, with a focus on ethical leadership and innovation.

In her welcoming remarks, Zaahira Ebramjee, Head of National Economic Collaboration at Business Mauritius, emphasized the vital role of conferences like ShiftXchange in bridging the gap between theory and practice. “This conference represents a crucial opportunity for bridging the gap between theory and practice, fostering meaningful collaboration between academia and the private sector,” she noted. 

This theme of convergence set the stage for discussions on how leadership must evolve in the face of rapid technological advancements. 

An integrated approach is essential for equipping future leaders with the necessary competencies to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market

Ms Ebramjee highlighted the significance of digital transformation for the Mauritian economy, stating that the ICT sector already employs over 32,000 people and contributes 5.7% to the national GDP. However, she also acknowledged the challenges posed by a growing digital skills gap, particularly in emerging fields such as AI and data science. Despite Mauritius’ high literacy rate, there remains a disconnect between the skills demanded by the digital economy and the competencies of the current workforce. 

“As we aim to become a global smart island,” Ms Ebramjee stressed, “the urgency of addressing the digital skills gap becomes increasingly critical. An integrated approach is essential for equipping future leaders with the necessary competencies to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.”

Business Mauritius, which represents over 1,400 companies, including 700 SMEs, is committed to advancing the interests of the private sector in the digital era. Zaahira Ebramjee discussed several initiatives led by the organization to foster digital integration. One key project is the ‘Business LINK procurement platform’, which connects SMEs with larger enterprises based on their procurement needs. This platform enhances market visibility for SMEs and fosters collaboration across industries.

Moreover, she highlighted the organization’s involvement in shaping national policies, including recommendations to the Mauritian government that led to the launch of a national ‘AI-for-ALL’ campaign’. The campaign is designed to raise awareness about AI resources, and encourage their use in the education and business sectors. “Our main objective is to pave the way for a more responsible and inclusive adoption of AI in Mauritius,” she explained.

One of the recurring themes of ShiftXchange 2024 was the need for ethical leadership to guide digital transformation. The speaker emphasized that digital innovation must not come at the cost of social equity, particularly as the digital divide persists in rural areas of Mauritius. “As we push forward with digital transformation, it is crucial that our leadership is inclusive, ensuring that no segment of society is left behind,” she stated.

Zaahira Ebramjee further underscored the need for inclusive leadership that not only drives technological advancements, but also ensures that the benefits are equitably distributed across society. Business Mauritius has indeed been working closely with the government and international bodies, including the Commonwealth Artificial Intelligence Consortium (CAIC), to build AI capacity and develop inclusive strategies that benefit both urban and rural populations.

The collaboration between industry and academia was another focal point of Ms Ebramjee’s address. She pointed out that synergy between these two sectors is essential for driving innovation and ensuring that academic research aligns with industry needs, particularly as AI transforms various sectors within the Mauritian industry.

Through collaborative efforts like the ShiftXchange Conference, both sectors can co-create solutions that address current challenges and leverage emerging opportunities. The Head of National Economic Collaboration at Business Mauritius highlighted how this collaboration not only enhances the relevancy of academic programs, but also contributes to the growth of consultancy services where academic expertise can offer practical solutions to real-world problems.

Zaahira Ebramjee encouraged active participation from all attendees, stressing the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping the future of leadership in the digital era. “The diversity of thought and experience in this room is one of our greatest strengths,” she remarked, urging participants to engage fully in discussions and share their insights.

She concluded by expressing her gratitude to the teams at Middlesex University and STADIO for organizing the conference, and reiterated her hopes that ShiftXchange would become an annual event that continues to foster innovation and collaboration across sectors.