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 Mali1
- Digital Mali 2020: National Strategy for the Development of the Digital Economy (Mali Numérique 2020: Stratégie Nationale de Développement de l’Economie Numérique) (Draft)2
- Personal Data Protection Law (Law No. 2013-015 of 21 May 2013),3 as amended by Law No. 2017-070 of 18 December 2017
- Law on the Suppression of Cybercrime (Law No. 2019-056 of 5 December 2019)4
- Consumer Protection Law (Law No. 2015-036 of 16 July 2015)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, Mali has committed to upholding the principles of the UDHR. The Constitution of Mali includes provisions that protect fundamental human rights.6 Article 12 guarantees the right to privacy (inviolability of home, private domain, private and family life, personal data, and the secrecy of correspondence and communications). Other protections include the rights to equality and non-discrimination (Article 1), life (Article 2), medical examination (Article 6), health (Article 10), education (Articles 10 and 11), work (Articles 10 and 18), and freedom of expression (Article 14). Mali 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 Communication and the Digital Economy (Ministère de la Communication et de l'Economie Numérique)7
- Malian Regulatory Authority for Telecommunications, ICT and Posts (Autorité Malienne de Régulation des Télécommunications, de TIC et des Postes) (AMRTP)8
- Agency for the Promotion of Information and Communication Technologies (Agence des Technologies de l’Information et de la Communication) (AGETIC)9
- Malian Authority for Personal Data Protection (Autorité de Protection des Données à Caractère Personnel du Mali) (APDP)10
- Malian Agency for Standardisation and Quality Promotion (Agence Malienne de Normalisation et de Promotion de la Qualité)11
- National Human Rights Commission (Commission Nationale des Droits de l'Homme) (CNDH)12
R&D and Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives
The RobotsMali AI4D Lab (RobotsMali) is a beneficiary of Artificial Intelligence for Development (AI4D), a partnership funded by Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), and the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. AI4D allocated CA$592,200 for a 30-month period to support RobotsMali's multidisciplinary research aimed at enhancing social and economic development.13 In July 2023, RobotsMali was also awarded a grant of $144,291 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to harness the potential of AI for improving lives.14
Professional/Industry Associations
A non-exhaustive list of professional or industry associations with a focus on AI in the country includes:
- Artificial Intelligence and Technology (AI&T) Community15
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.
