The programme will launch in May 2026 and will gradually scale as new users complete the training. The courses will be free, and access to the subscription will be available not only to residents of Malta but also to Maltese citizens living abroad.

Under normal conditions, the ChatGPT Plus plan costs $20 per month. The country’s population is estimated to be approaching 550,000 people.

Economy Minister Silvio Schembri said the authorities want to turn AI “from an abstract concept into a practical tool” for families, students and workers.

“Malta is the first country to launch a partnership of this scale because we are not allowing our citizens to fall behind in the digital age. We are placing our people at the forefront of global change,” the official stressed.

OpenAI noted that the project is intended to improve digital literacy and accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence in education, business and the public sector. The initiative is part of the broader OpenAI for Countries programme, through which the company works with governments on the integration of AI tools.

Malta is actively developing its national artificial intelligence strategy and previously joined the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence. The country’s authorities position the island as one of Europe’s centres for digital technology and innovation regulation.

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The initiative strengthens Malta’s position as a digital innovation hub and could accelerate the practical adoption of AI tools across education, business and public services. For OpenAI, the partnership is another step in expanding national-level cooperation through its OpenAI for Countries programme.