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 CAR1
- National Development Plan 2024-2028 (Plan National de Développement de la République Centrafricaine 2024-2028)2
- Electronic Communications Law (Law 18.002 of 17 January 2018)3
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, CAR has committed to upholding the principles of the UDHR. The Constitution of CAR includes provisions that protect fundamental human rights.4 Articles 16 and 19 guarantee the right to privacy (secrecy of correspondence and communications, and inviolability of domicile). Other protections include the rights to life (Article 3), equality (Article 6), healthcare (Article 8), education (Article 9), work (Article 11), and freedom of expression (Article 15). CAR 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 Digital Economy, Posts, and Telecommunications (Ministère de l’Economie Numérique, des Postes et de la Télécommunication)
- Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Posts (Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques et de la Poste) (ARCEP)5
- Standards and Quality Service (Service des Normes et de la Qualité)6
- National Commission for Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (Commission Nationale des Droits de l'Homme et des Libertés Fondamentales) (CNDHLF)7
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.
