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. However, it has been reported that a national AI strategy is under development.1
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
In June 2024, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications convened the National Consultations on Artificial Intelligence (CONIA) (Concertations Nationales Sur L’intelligence Artificielle).2
Existing Legal Framework
A non-exhaustive list of regulations that might affect AI in the country includes:
- Constitution of Cameroon3
- National Development Strategy 2020-20304
- Electronic Communications Law (Law No. 2010/013 of 21 December 2010, as amended by Law No. 2015/006 of 20 April 2015)5
- Electronic Commerce Law (Law No. 2010/021 of 21 December 2010)6
- Data Protection Law (Law No. 2024/017 of 23 December 2024)7
- Cybersecurity and Cybercrime Law (Law No. 2010/012 of 21 December 2010)8
- Consumer Protection Law (Law No. 2011/012 of 6 May 2011)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, Cameroon has committed to upholding the principles of the UDHR. The Constitution of Cameroon includes in its preamble the protection of fundamental human rights.10 These include the right to privacy (protection of correspondence) as well as the rights to equality, life, freedom of expression, children’s education, and work. Cameroon 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 Posts and Telecommunications (Ministère des Postes et Télécommunications) (MINPOSTEL)11
- National Agency for Information and Communication Technologies (Agence Nationale des Technologies de l'Information et de la Communication) (ANTIC)12
- Telecommunications Regulatory Board (Agence de Régulation des Télécommunications) (ART)13
- Agency for Standards and Quality (Agence des Normes et de la Qualité) (ANOR)14
- Cameroon Human Rights Commission (Commission Des Droits De L’Homme Du Cameroun) (CDHC)15
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
A non-exhaustive list of professional or industry associations with a focus on AI in the country includes:
- Intelligence Artificielle Cameroun (IAC)16
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.
