Malta signs world-first nationwide AI literacy deal with OpenAI and Microsoft

U.S. artificial intelligence company OpenAI and Microsoft signed an agreement with the Maltese government to provide all residents with access to ChatGPT Plus and Microsoft Copilot services for one year, provided they complete a course on the use of artificial intelligence.

In a statement, the government said Malta had become “the first in the world” to launch a national online AI literacy course, through which participants will receive free access to either ChatGPT Plus or Microsoft 365 Personal Copilot, depending on their preference.

A subscription to ChatGPT Plus currently costs around €23 per month, while Microsoft Copilot subscriptions range from $10 to $39 monthly. Neither the Maltese government nor OpenAI disclosed the financial details of the agreement.

OpenAI told Reuters that the free programme will begin this month and is expected to expand progressively as more participants enrol in the course. The initiative will also be available to Maltese citizens living abroad.

The ‘AI for Everyone’ initiative was first announced last year as part of the 2026 budget. It was followed by meetings in Silicon Valley, where Maltese diplomats led by Foreign Minister Ian Borg facilitated contacts between OpenAI and the Malta Digital Innovation Authority.

“With this initiative, we are sending a clear message that in our country we do not want anyone to be left behind. We want everyone to benefit from the potential of technology for a better life,” Borg said during the launch event.

“AI is changing everything we do, and therefore we are not only making this technology available to everyone, but we are also helping to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to understand how to use it in the best possible and responsible way,” he added.

Economy Minister Silvio Schembri said the course reflected Malta’s broader ambition to create a more digitally confident society equipped with strong skills and prepared for the future.

“By pairing this education with free access to advanced digital tools such as ChatGPT Plus and Microsoft 365 Personal Copilot, we are transforming a concept that may still be unfamiliar to many into a practical, everyday tool for families, students and workers. The fact that we are among the first in the world to take this step means we are ensuring our people remain at the forefront in securing the best opportunities,” Schembri said.

George Osborne, OpenAI’s Head of Countries, said the partnership meant Malta was “leading Europe and the world in bringing AI to all its citizens”.

“This is exactly the type of strategic initiative that will accelerate AI adoption and deliver the benefits of this transformative technology to both the economy and people’s everyday lives. Where Malta leads, I hope others will follow,” Osborne said.

Tilenachos Moraitis of Microsoft said Malta was sending “a powerful message” about the AI era: that “access and opportunity should belong to everyone”.

The partnership with Microsoft builds on a separate agreement signed last year, which introduced Microsoft Copilot across Malta’s public service, supported by training programmes and a dedicated Centre of Excellence.

“In the AI economy, the most important infrastructure is not simply data centres — it is human capability. Today, Malta is investing in that capability on a national scale,” Moraitis said.

The initiative will begin in May and is expected to scale up as more Maltese residents complete the free course. It will also be available to Maltese citizens living abroad.

Sources: Times of Malta, Reuters

Caption: Balluta Bay, St.Julian’s, Malta [@Lovemaltatv on X]