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 Congo1
- Congo Vision 20482
- National Development Plan 2022-20263
- Congo Digital 20254
- Electronic Communications Law (Law No. 9-2009 of 25 November 2009)5
- Data Protection Law (Law No. 29-2019 of 10 October 2019)6
- Cybersecurity Law (Law No. 26-2020 of 5 June 2020)7
- Cybercrime Law (Law 27-2020 of 5 June 2020)8
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, Congo has committed to upholding the principles of the UDHR. The Constitution of Congo includes provisions that protect fundamental human rights.9 Article 26 guarantees the right to privacy (secrecy of correspondence, telecommunications, and other communications). Other protections include the rights to life (Article 8), equality (Article 15), freedom of expression (Article 25), and education, work, and health (Articles 29, 30, and 36, respectively). Congo has ratified several key international human rights instruments, including the ACHPR, ICCPR, and ICESCR. Additionally, Congo has ratified the Malabo Convention.
Regulators
A non-exhaustive list of regulators that might impact AI in the country includes:
- Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Economy (Ministère des Postes, des Télécommunications et de l'Economie Numérique)10
- Post and Electronic Communications Regulatory Agency (Agence de Régulation des Postes et des Communications Électroniques) (ARPCE)11
- Congolese Association for Standardisation (Association Congolaise de Normalisation)12
- National Human Rights Commission (Commission Nationale des Droits de l'Homme) (CNDH)13
R&D and Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives
In 2022, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) inaugurated the African Research Center on Artificial Intelligence in collaboration with partners such as the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), International Telecommunications Union (ITU), and Jack Ma Foundation.14
In 2023, it was reported that the government of Congo, with support of the African Development Bank, had launched an initiative to create a digital innovation and incubation node, featuring the development of an artificial intelligence centre, up to two data centres, and a cybersecurity centre.15
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.
