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
To address the lack of regulation in Djibouti's digital sector, the Ministry of Communication in charge of Posts and Telecommunications, along with the National Agency for State Information Systems, initiated a project to develop a digital code. This digital code is expected to cover various matters, including “personal data protection, regimes applicable to electronic communications, the law on innovative digital services, the law applicable to cybersecurity, the legal conditions of electronic commerce, cryptology rules, consumer protection in the digital age, quality control of services, universal access and the protection of children online, etc.”.1
Pending development of a digital code, a non-exhaustive list of regulations that might affect AI in the country includes:
- Constitution of Djibouti2
- Vision 20353
- National Development Plan 2020-2024 (Djibouti ICI)4
- The Penal Code (Le Code Pénal)5
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, Djibouti has committed to upholding the principles of the UDHR. The Constitution of Djibouti includes provisions that protect fundamental human rights.6 Article 13 guarantees the right to privacy (secrecy of correspondence and other communications). Other protections include the rights to equality and life (Article 10), and freedom of expression (Article 15). Djibouti 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 Digital Economy and Innovation (Ministère Délégué chargé de l'Economie Numérique et de l'Innovation) (MDENI)7
- Ministry of Communication in charge of Posts and Telecommunications (Ministère de la Communication, chargé des Postes et des Télécommunications)8
- National Agency for State Information Systems (L’Agence Nationale des Systèmes d’Information de l’Etat) (ANSIE)9
- Djiboutian Agency for Standards and Quality (Agence Djiboutienne des Normes et de la Qualité) (ADN)10
- National Human Rights Commission (Commission Nationale des Droits de l'Homme)11
R&D and Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives
In 2024, MDENI signed an agreement to launch the Djibouti Code Campus (DCC), which will provide training on coding, AI and other skills.12 Partners in the project include the Embassy of France, the France-Djibouti Business Group, the Ports and Free Zones Authority, Djibouti Telecom, and Djibouti Electricity.13 Private sector collaborators include the Djibouti Chamber of Commerce, BCIMR, CMA CGM, Rubis, and the Information Systems Development Company.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.
