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 The Gambia1
- Recovery Focused National Development Plan (RF-NDP) 2023-20272
- National Digital Economy Master Plan 2023-20333
- Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) Policy Statement 2018-20284
- E-Government Strategy 2021-20245
- Data Protection and Privacy Policy and Strategy (2019)6
- Government Open Data Strategy 2023-20267
- Government Cloud Strategy 2023-20278
- Government Cloud Implementation Plan9
- The National Cybersecurity Policy of The Gambia 2022-202610
- Information and Communications Act, 200911
- Gambia Consumer Protection Act, 201412
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, The Gambia has committed to upholding the principles of the UDHR. The Constitution of The Gambia includes provisions that protect fundamental human rights.13 Article 23 guarantees the right to privacy (protection from interference with privacy of home, correspondence, or communications). Other protections include the rights to life (Article 18), freedom of expression (Article 25), education (Article 30), and equality and non-discrimination (Article 33). The provision of adequate health and medical services is identified under principles of State policy (Article 216). The Gambia 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 Communications and Digital Economy (MOCDE)14
- Gambia Information and Communication Technology Agency (GICTA)15
- Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), overseeing the Gambia Computer Security and Incident Response Team16
- The Gambia Standards Bureau (TGSB)17
- Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (GCCPC)18
- National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)19
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.
