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 Madagascar1
- Digital Strategic Plan 2023-2028
- Telecommunications Sector Reform Law (Law No. 2005-023)2
- Electronic Transactions Law (Law No. 2014-024)3
- Personal Data Protection Law (Law No. 2014-038)4
- Cybercrime Law (Law No. 2014-006), as modified and supplemented by Law No. 2016-0315
Human Rights
The Constitution of Madagascar outlines various fundamental principles, including those relating to equality and non-discrimination (Article 6).6 It also includes provisions that protect fundamental human rights, such as Article 13, which guarantees the right to privacy (inviolability of the person and their domicile, and of secrecy of their correspondence). Other protections include the rights to life (Article 8), freedom of expression (Article 10), dignity (Article 17), health (Article 19), education (Article 24), and work (Article 27). Madagascar 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 Development, Digital Transformation, Posts, and Telecommunications (Ministère du Développement Numérique, de la Transformation Digitale, des Postes et des Télécommunications) (MNDPT)7
- Regulatory Authority of Communication Technologies (Autorité de Régulation des Technologies de Communication) (ARTEC)8
- Malagasy Commission for Information Technology and Freedoms (Commission Malagasy de l’Informatique et des Libertés) (CMIL)9
- Madagascar Bureau of Standards (Bureau des Normes de Madagascar) (BNM)10
- Consumer Protection Directorate (Direction de la Protection des Consommateurs)11
- Independent National Commission for Human Rights (Commission Nationale Indépendante des Droits de l'Homme) (CNIDH)12
R&D and Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives
In 2024, a partnership agreement was signed between the government of Madagascar and two French institutions: the University of Côte d'Azur and École Supérieure des Technologies Industrielles Avancées (ESTIA).13 The collaboration, which will involve MNDPT and DATUM Consulting - Groupe ArkeUp, aims to launch a feasibility study for creating an International Institute of Applied Artificial Intelligence for the Indian Ocean region.14
In May 2023, a $140 million investment in AI research was announced for strengthening public health systems in Madagascar using AI tools. The investment was awarded by the National Science Foundation in the United States for an initiative under the AI Institute for Societal Decision Making at Carnegie Mellon University.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.
