Empowering Public Service: The introduction of Microsoft 365 Copilot within the public sector

Written by

Mariano Debono, Manager, Chief Technology Office

The Government of Malta, through MITA, is spearheading a transformative digital initiative that places Malta at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in the public administration sector. This ambitious project is part of a broader strategy to modernise the public sector and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of government services. The introduction of Microsoft 365 Copilot, an AI-driven assistant embedded in MS Office applications, is poised to transform the way government employees work, collaborate, and deliver services to the public.  This initiative supports the national strategy Malta Vision 2050, which seeks to establish Malta as a European leader in digital governance. Through the leveraging of cutting-edge AI technology, the government seeks to improve productivity, reduce administrative burdens, and provide better services to its citizens. The project goes beyond technology, incorporating substantial investment in training and development to ensure public officers are fully prepared to use these new tools effectively.

As announced by the Prime Minister Robert Abela during the Public Service Expo, a €4 million investment will rollout Microsoft 365 Copilot to over eight thousand public officers over the next two years. This initiative highlights the government’s commitment to innovation and its dedication to cultivating a culture of continuous improvement within the public sector. The adoption of AI tools is anticipated to significantly enhance public administration processes and the digital channels through which services are delivered to citizens and businesses.

Another significant milestone is the integration of the Maltese language into the Microsoft 365 Copilot. Through a close collaboration between MITA and Microsoft, users can now engage with Copilot in Maltese across all core applications. This advancement boosts accessibility and productivity while reinforcing the cultural and linguistic identity of Malta’s public sector workforce.  Additionally, MITA is spearheading the deployment, governance, and training efforts necessary for the success of this ambitious project. A dedicated Centre of Excellence (CoE) is being established to promote best practices, ensure compliance with both EU and national legislation, and foster collaboration across all government entities.

Training is a fundamental pillar of this initiative. In collaboration with Microsoft and the Institute for the Public Services, MITA has already started delivering Microsoft 365 Copilot Fundamentals sessions to various government clusters. The objective is to equip every public officer with the knowledge and skills necessary to fully leverage this technology. This targeted rollout is a key component of Malta’s wider digital transformation strategy, ensuring that AI-powered productivity tools are implemented where they can deliver the most immediate and measurable benefits.  The deployment of Microsoft 365 Copilot serves as a strong example of how technology can enhance governance, empower employees, and improve public service delivery. It reflects Malta’s dedication to pioneering innovation and driving efficiency across the public sector.