AI could boost Maldives economy by $112M in decade
New Commonwealth study ranks Maldives 28th among 56 nations in youth AI readiness, highlighting gaps in skills and economic opportunities
MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — Artificial intelligence could add $112 million to the Maldives’ gross domestic product (GDP) over the next decade, according to a new international study that also warns the island nation must improve young people’s technological skills and employment opportunities to fully benefit from the emerging technology.
The Maldives ranked 28th among 56 Commonwealth countries in the inaugural Ayre Index, scoring 44.9 out of 100 in an assessment of how prepared young people are to participate in an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.
The study, unveiled Wednesday at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda, found that only 15 Commonwealth nations met its benchmark for youth AI readiness, placing the Maldives among countries facing significant challenges in preparing their younger populations.
Under a moderate adoption scenario, the researchers estimated that effective use of artificial intelligence could increase the Maldives’ GDP by $112 million after 10 years. The projection represents potential economic gains rather than guaranteed growth.
The Ayre Index was developed by a think tank established by Antiguan-Canadian philanthropist Calvin Ayre. Its inaugural white paper drew on 1,128 research sources to examine AI-related opportunities and challenges affecting approximately 732 million young people aged 15 to 29 across Commonwealth countries.
Presenting the findings to international delegates, Ayre emphasized that artificial intelligence would fundamentally reshape employment, business operations and wealth creation.
“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,” he said.
The report identifies education, digital skills, affordable internet access and entrepreneurial opportunities as essential factors determining whether countries can translate technological advances into meaningful economic benefits.
It also cautions that simply expanding access to AI tools will not automatically generate employment or economic growth.
Instead, governments must ensure that young people possess the necessary skills to use emerging technologies productively while creating pathways into employment and supporting businesses that can benefit from AI adoption.
Ayre warned that countries risk falling behind unless they take concrete steps to prepare their populations for technological transformation.
“Some Commonwealth countries are ahead; others have catching up to do. Nobody can afford to be complacent,” he said.
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