For an explanation of how to read this resource, please refer to the guide at the bottom.
AI Regulation
There is no regulation specifically governing AI in the country.
Definitions of AI
As the country is yet to establish AI regulations, there is no formal definition of AI.
Core Principles
As the country is yet to establish AI regulations, there is no formal statement of core 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.
Existing Legal Framework
A non-exhaustive list of regulations that might affect AI in the country includes:
- Constitution of Burundi1
- National Development Plan of Burundi 2018-2027 (Plan National de Développement du Burundi 2018-2027) (PND)2
- Sectoral Strategy for the Implementation of the National Development Plan (Stratégie Sectorielle pour la Mise en Oeuvre du PND), dated February 20213
- National ICT Development Policy 2010-2025 (Politique Nationale de Développement des Technologies de l’Information et de la Communication) (PNDTIC)
- Master Plan for Digitalisation of Public Services in Burundi “PDDSP 2023-2033” (Plan Directeur De Digitalisation Des Services Publics «PDDSP 2023-2033») (PDDSP)4
- Various laws that protect data rights in the absence of a comprehensive data protection law5
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, Burundi has committed to upholding the principles of the UDHR. The Constitution of Burundi includes provisions that protect fundamental human rights.6 Articles 28 and 43 guarantee the right to privacy (protection of personal and family life, personal communications, and confidentiality of correspondence and communication). Other protections include the rights to dignity (Articles 21 and 27), equality and non-discrimination (Article 22), life (Article 24), freedom of expression (Article 31), and education, work, and healthcare (Articles 53, 54, and 55, respectively). Burundi has ratified several key international human rights instruments, including the ACHPR, ICCPR, and ICESCR. However, the country has not signed or ratified the Malabo Convention.
Regulators
A non-exhaustive list of regulators that might impact AI in the country includes:
- Ministry of Communication, Information Technologies and Media (Ministère de la Communication, des Technologies d’Information, et des Media) (MINICOTIM)7
- National Communication Council (Conseil National de la Communication) (CNC)8
- Agency for Regulation and Control of Telecommunications (Agence de Régulation et de Contrôle des de Télécommunications) (ARCT)9
- Various bodies implementing sector specific laws that include protection of data rights10
- Burundi Bureau of Standards and Quality Control (Bureau Burundais de Normalisation et du Contrôle de la Qualité) (BBN)11
- Independent National Commission on Human Rights of Burundi (Commission Nationale Indépendante des Droits de l'Homme du Burundi) (CNIDH)12
R&D and Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives
Based on publicly available information, we have not found evidence of significant investments or multi-stakeholder initiatives on AI within the country.
Professional/Industry Associations
Based on publicly available information, we have not found evidence of professional or industry associations dedicated to AI in the country.
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.
