For an explanation of how to read this resource, please refer to the guide at the bottom.
AI Regulation
In January 2023, Benin’s Council of Ministers adopted the ‘National Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Strategy 2023-2027’ (Stratégie Nationale d’Intelligence Artificielle et des Mégadonnées 2023-2027) (SNIAM) (hereafter, the “AI Strategy”).1 This five-year plan, structured around four programmes that are implementable in three phases, outlines 123 initiatives targeting both the public and private sectors.
Definitions of AI
While the country has made strides in AI governance, including by launching the AI Strategy, it has yet to establish a formal definition of AI.
Core Principles
While the country has made strides in AI governance, there is no formal statement of AI principles.
Public Consultations
Based on publicly available information, we have not found evidence of invitations for public input on AI governance in the country. However, it is reported that development of the AI Strategy involved various stakeholders including government, the private sector, civil society and academic institutions.2
Existing Legal Framework
A non-exhaustive list of regulations that might affect AI in the country includes:
- Constitution of Benin3
- National Development Plan 2018-20254
- Government Action Program 2021-20265
- Digital Code (Law No. 2017-20 of 20 April 2018)6
- Information and Communication Code (Law No. 2015-07 of 20 March 2015)7
- Personal Data Protection Law (Law No. 2009-09 of 22 May 2009)8
- Consumer Protection Law (Law No. 2007-21 of 16 October 2007)9
Human Rights
The UDHR was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 1948. Its principles are considered universal and applicable to all UN member states. As a member of the UN, Benin has committed to upholding the principles of the UDHR. The Constitution of Benin includes provisions that protect fundamental human rights.10 Article 21 guarantees the right to privacy (secrecy of correspondence and communications). Other protections include rights of equal access to health, education and employment, among others (Article 8) as well as the rights to life (Article 15), freedom of expression (Article 23), equality and non-discrimination (Article 26), and work (Article 30). Benin has ratified several key international human rights instruments, including the ACHPR, ICCPR, and ICESCR. Additionally, the country has signed but not ratified the Malabo Convention.
Regulators
A non-exhaustive list of regulators that might impact AI in the country includes:
- Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation (Ministère du Numérique et de la Digitalisation)11
- Information and Digital Systems Agency (Agence des Systèmes d'Information et du Numérique) (ASIN)12
- Regulatory Authority for Post and Electronic Communications (Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques et de la Poste) (ARCEP)13
- Personal Data Protection Authority (Autorité de Protection des Données Personnelles) (APDP)14
- National Agency for Standardisation, Metrology, and Quality Control (Agence Nationale de Normalisation, de Métrologie et du Contrôle Qualité) (ANM)15
- League for Consumer Defence in Benin (Ligue pour la Défense du Consommateur au Bénin) (LDCB)16
- Human Rights Commission (Commission Béninoise des Droits de l’Homme) (CBDH)17
R&D and Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives
The Sèmè City Innovation Hub, launched by the Government of Benin in 2017 and implemented by the Sèmè City Development Agency has received support from numerous partners including academic institutions and companies.18 The hub has organised activities such as the webinar on ‘Integrating Open Data and Artificial Intelligence in the Development of Smart Cities in Africa’ as well as a continuing professional development programme focused on AI.19
In 2023, Benin launched an initiative to develop large language models focused on local languages. This collaborative effort involves the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation, ASIN, Sèmè City, and iSHEERO, an entity specialised in AI and data science.20
Professional/Industry Associations
A non-exhaustive list of professional or industry associations with a focus on AI in the country includes:
- Benin Drone Association (Association béninoise des professionnels et amateurs de drone) (ABePA-Drone)21
Advisory Bodies and Expert Groups
Based on publicly available information, we have not found evidence of advisory bodies or expert groups dedicated to AI in the country.
Guide
- AI Regulation: The term "regulation", as used in this resource, encompasses measures ranging from binding laws to national AI policies and strategies, government proposals, advisory guidelines, and industry standards that address AI systems and their implications.
- Existing Legal Framework: This section outlines the relevant legal framework, excluding any AI-specific regulations presented in the initial section.
- Human Rights: The following terms have the stated meanings: "ACHPR" means the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, "ICCPR" means the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, "ICESCR" means the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, "Malabo Convention" means the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection, "UDHR" means the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and "UN" means the United Nations. Any reference to an “Article” or “Section” of the Constitution is to the version of the Constitution referenced herein.
- Advisory Bodies and Expert Groups: This section excludes legislative and parliamentary committees.
