Malta signs world-first AI literacy deal with OpenAI and Microsoft
'AI for Everyone' initiative grants free access for one year to premium AI tools; no details of financial deal were divulged
Updated 5.47pm
US artificial intelligence company OpenAI and Microsoft on Saturday signed a deal with the Maltese government to give all residents access to ChatGPT Plus and Copilot service for one year after they complete a course on how to use Artificial Intelligence.
In a statement, the government announced Malta became “the first in the world” to launch a national online literacy course on AI, which would grant participants free access to ChatGPT Plus or Microsoft 365 Personal Copilot, according to their preferences.
A subscription to ChatGPT Plus retails for €23 a month whereas that for Copilot ranges from $10 to $39 a month.
The Maltese government and OpenAI did not disclose the financial details of the deal.
OpenAI told Reuters the free programme will start this month and will be scaled up as more participants enroll on the course. It will also be open to Maltese citizens living abroad.
The 'AI for Everyone' initiative was first announced last year as part of the 2026 Budget and was followed by meetings in Silicon Valley where Maltese diplomats, led by Foreign Minister Ian Borg, facilitated contacts between Open AI 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 at Saturday’s 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 ensure that everyone has the opportunity to understand how to use it in the best possible and responsible way.”
Economy Minister Silvio Schembri said the course reflects Malta’s broader ambition to build a more digitally confident society, equipped with strong skills and ready for the future.
“By pairing this education with free access to advanced digital tools like ChatGPT Plus and Microsoft 365 Personal Copilot, we are transforming a concept that may not be very familiar into a practical, everyday aid for our 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 stay at the forefront to secure the best opportunities," Schembri said.
The Head of OpenAI for Countries, George Osborne said that with this partnership, Malta was “leading Europe and the world in bringing AI to all its citizens.”
“This is exactly the kind of strategic initiative that will speed AI adoption and bring the benefits of this transformative technology to the economy and the everyday lives of people. Where Malta leads, I hope others will follow,” Osborne said.
Tilenachos Moraitis from 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 deal signed last year which introduced Microsoft Copilot across the public service, backed by training and a Centre of Excellence.
“In the AI economy, the most important infrastructure is not just data centres - it is human capability. Today, Malta is investing in that capability at national scale,” Moraitis said.