OpenAI and the Government of Malta today announced a world-first partnership to provide ChatGPT Plus to every Maltese citizen. This initiative will give people access to intelligent technology through AI literacy courses, while helping them develop practical AI skills so they can benefit from this technology in real life.
At OpenAI, we are working to turn intelligence into a global public good. We believe that, like electricity, intelligence should be available to individuals, businesses, and institutions whenever and wherever they need it. This vision only matters if people can actually use these tools to improve their lives and communities.
Malta’s “AI for All” initiative will offer people from all backgrounds the opportunity to learn how to use AI responsibly through courses developed by the University of Malta. The courses are designed to help people understand what AI is, what it can and cannot do, and how to use it responsibly at home and at work. After completing the course, citizens will receive one year of free access to ChatGPT Plus.
The first phase of the program will begin in May, with the Malta Digital Innovation Authority responsible for distributing access to eligible participants. Over time, as more residents of Malta and citizens living abroad complete the course, the initiative will gradually expand its reach.
Silvio Schembri, Malta’s Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, said: “Through this AI course, which is open to everyone, we are ensuring that every citizen, regardless of background, has the opportunity to gain the confidence and skills needed to thrive in a digital society. By pairing this educational program with free access to some of the most advanced digital tools available today, we are turning concepts that once felt out of reach into something practical and useful for families, students, and workers. Malta is the first country to make a collaboration of this scale a reality because we are determined to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age. We are placing people at the forefront of a global shift.”
George Osborne, OpenAI’s Head of Countries, said: “With this collaboration, Malta is helping lead Europe and the world in bringing AI to all citizens. Intelligence is becoming a national public service, and governments have a crucial role to play in ensuring citizens have the access and skills needed to make the most of AI. So I’d also like to congratulate the Maltese authorities on their vision and ambition. This is a strategic initiative that will accelerate AI adoption and bring the benefits of this transformative technology to the economy and people’s daily lives. Now that Malta has taken the lead, we hope others will follow.”
This collaboration reflects a growing recognition among countries of the need to build confidence in using AI in practical ways and to support its application in real work. Malta’s model for AI adoption combines locally designed courses, a clear path to access ChatGPT Plus, and a national effort to ensure citizens feel confident using AI to support learning, work, creativity, and civic participation.
This collaboration is tailored to Malta’s needs and national AI priorities, and marks the latest development in the OpenAI for Countries initiative. The initiative helps governments and institutions move from initial interest in AI to strategic, national-scale deployment. OpenAI for Countries is not a one-size-fits-all model; it is built around each country’s priorities, including education, workforce development, public services, startup support, and AI literacy. OpenAI is currently working with governments in countries including Estonia and Greece to support their education systems.