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 Cabo Verde1
- Digital Governance Strategy 2021–20242
- Data Protection Law (Law 133/V/2001 of 22 January 2001, as amended by Law 41/VIII/2013 of 17 September 2013 and Law 121/IX/2021 of 17 March 2021)3
- Cybercrime Law (Law No. 8/IX/2017 of 20 March 2017)4
- Cybersecurity Law (Decree-Law No. 9/2021 of 29 January 2021)5
- Consumer Protection Law (Law No. 88/V/98 of 31 December 1998)6
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, Cabo Verde has committed to upholding the principles of the UDHR. The Constitution of Cabo Verde includes provisions that protect fundamental human rights.7 Articles 41 and 42 guarantee the right to privacy (protection of correspondence and telecommunications, and protection of computer records and personal data) while Article 43 grants access to data. Other protections include the rights to equality (Article 22), life (Article 26), freedom of expression and information (Article 45), and work, health, and education (Articles 58, 68, and 73, respectively). Cabo Verde has ratified several key international human rights instruments, including the ACHPR, ICCPR, and ICESCR. Additionally, Cabo Verde has ratified the Malabo Convention.
Regulators
A non-exhaustive list of regulators that might impact AI in the country includes:
- National Communications Agency (Agência Nacional das Comunicações) (ANAC)
- National Data Protection Commission (Comissão Nacional de Proteção de Dados Pessoais) (CNPD)8
- National Cybersecurity Agency (Centro Nacional de Cibersegurança)
- Institute for Quality Management and Intellectual Property (Instituto de Gestão da Qualidade e da Propriedade Intelectual) (IGQPI)9
- National Commission for Human Rights and Citizenship (Comissão Nacional para os Direitos Humanos e a Cidadania) (CNDHC)10
R&D and Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives
In December 2023, the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE) announced its partnership with Foundation Smart City Cabo Verde to foster renewable energy and energy efficiency in Cabo Verde. Part of the project entails the use of AI to develop a smart grid concept and implement a pilot project with Electra for the detection of energy losses and improvement of grid efficiency.11
The ‘Monitoring Tools and Artificial Intelligence for Smart Agriculture’ project is an initiative funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). It aims to optimize agricultural production and resource management using wireless sensors, drones, and AI models.12 As part of this initiative, the University of Cape Verde has partnered with UNDP's Accelerator Lab to implement the ‘Agricultural Transition using the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence’ sub-project, which focuses on promoting sustainable development through innovation and smart agriculture approaches.13 As of March 2024, the broader project was reportedly in advanced stages.14
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.
