For an explanation of how to read this resource, please refer to the guide at the bottom.
AI Regulation
On 13 March 2025, Côte d'Ivoire’s proposed national strategy for AI and data governance was presented to the country’s Prime Minister ahead of government adoption. Until the strategy is formally adopted, 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
- In 2024, the Telecommunications/ICT Regulatory Authority of Côte d'Ivoire (Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications/TIC de Côte d’Ivoire) (ARTCI) held a public consultation to develop a national AI and metaverse strategy. Stakeholders submitted feedback until 3 May 2024.2
- In 2023, ARTCI called for public participation in its study on the impact of ICT and AI on personal data protection.3
Existing Legal Framework
A non-exhaustive list of regulations that might affect AI in the country includes:
- Constitution of Côte d'Ivoire4
- National Development Plan 2021-2025 (Plan National de Développement 2021-2025) (PND)5
- National Digital Development Strategy 2021-2025 (Stratégie Nationale de Développement du Numérique en Côte d’Ivoire 2021-2025) (SNNCI)6
- Innovation Strategy of Côte d'Ivoire (Stratégie d’Innovation de la Côte d’Ivoire), dated 20217
- Data Governance Strategy8
- Cybersecurity Strategy 2021-2025 (Stratégie Nationale de Cybersécurité 2021-2025)9
- Data Protection Law (Law 2013-450 of 19 June 2013)10
- Electronic Communications Law (Law No. 2024-532 of 6 June 2024)11
- Electronic Transactions Law (Law 2013-546 of 30 July 2013)12
- Cybercrime Law (Law 2013-451 of 19 June 2013)13
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, Côte d'Ivoire has committed to upholding the principles of the UDHR. The Constitution of Côte d'Ivoire includes provisions that protect fundamental human rights.14 Article 8 guarantees the right to privacy (although this concerns the inviolability of the home and does not include protections for personal data and communications). Other protections include the rights to human dignity (Article 2), life (Article 3), equality (Article 4), education (Article 9), work (Article 14), and freedom of expression (Article 19). Côte d'Ivoire has ratified several key international human rights instruments, including the ACHPR, ICCPR, and ICESCR. Additionally, Côte d'Ivoire has ratified the Malabo Convention.
Regulators
A non-exhaustive list of regulators that might impact AI in the country includes:
- Ministry of Digital Transition and Digitalisation (Ministère de la Transition Numérique et de la Digitalisation)15
- Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (Ministère de l'Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche Scientifique)16
- Telecommunications/ICT Regulatory Authority of Côte d'Ivoire (Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications/TIC de Côte d’Ivoire) (ARTCI), the data protection authority17
- Ivorian Standardisation (Côte d'Ivoire Normalisation) (CODINORM)18
- National Human Rights Council (Conseil National des Droits de l'Homme) (CNDH)19
R&D and Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives
In 2024, construction was announced for a Tier-III national data centre in Côte d’Ivoire, led by the US company Cybastion.20 This $60 million project, in partnership with the United States government, is located in Marcory-Anoumabo, Abidjan, with an expected completion timeline of 12 months.21
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.
