AI could boost Maldives economy by $112 million in 10 years, study finds

Artificial intelligence could make the Maldives’ economy US$112 million larger after ten years, according to major new research that also reveals the barriers young people face in making the most of the technology.

The Ayre Index, launched at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda, places the Maldives 28th out of 56 Commonwealth countries for youth AI readiness. It scores 44.9 out of 100, below the study’s benchmark of 53. Only 15 Commonwealth countries meet that benchmark.

The Maldives has an important technological advantage, with both electricity access and 4G network coverage recorded as universal. Young people were also shown to be widely connected in the latest qualifying phone-ownership and internet-use surveys. But those surveys date from 2016, long before the recent spread of generative AI, and cannot establish how young Maldivians use new technology today.

Language presents another challenge. Research by the Ayre Think Tank, founded by Antiguan-Canadian philanthropist Calvin Ayre, identifies limited AI resources for Dhivehi, potentially restricting how effectively young Maldivians can use the technology for education, business and everyday services. Although local developers are responding, for example by the Maldivian AI platform Thaana.ai introduced new Dhivehi-language voice technology, this raises questions about how effectively international AI tools can support everyone for education, businesses and everyday public services.

The employment and education findings are mixed. In a 2019 survey, 26.2% of young people were outside work, education or training, although a comparatively high share of employed adults aged 25 to 29 held higher-skilled jobs. Teacher training is widespread, but researchers found little direct evidence about AI teaching.

The economic stakes are considerable for the Maldives, home to approximately 148,700 young people aged 15 to 29. Applying economic scenarios developed by the International Monetary Fund to the country’s GDP, the researchers calculate that AI could increase the level of the country’s GDP by US$112 million after ten years in the moderate case. The conservative estimate is US$54 million, rising to US$170 million under the optimistic scenario.

Calvin Ayre, founder of the Ayre Think Tank, said: “I’ve spent my life in businesses where new technology changes everything, and I know you can’t stand still. AI is going to change how we work, how we do business and how wealth is created. But this is not a race that only the biggest or richest countries can win. What matters is giving young people the skills and the chance to get ahead – whether to start businesses, find jobs or build something for themselves. Some Commonwealth countries are ahead, others have catching up to do. Nobody can afford to be complacent. That’s why we created this Index. It shows countries where they stand, what they’re getting right and where they need to do better. Governments now have to decide what they’re going to do about it.”

The Maldives is already taking significant steps to turn its technological strengths into economic opportunities. In July 2026, the government launched Digital for All, a nationwide programme offering free digital and AI training in Dhivehi and English, with an ambition to reach 225,000 people by 2028. Two months earlier, the country's first national AI Lab was established to support the development and practical application of the technology. Together, these initiatives will help young Maldivians acquire the skills to find better jobs, develop businesses and benefit from AI in sectors such as tourism and financial services.

The White Paper identifies five priorities: affordable and reliable access to technology; education that develops practical skills; stronger routes from training into employment and enterprise; AI tools suited to local languages and needs; and safeguards that enable young people to question automated decisions.

It calls on governments, educators and development partners to better understand the particular barriers young people face in each country before deciding where investment can make the greatest impact.