For an explanation of how to read this resource, please refer to the guide at the bottom.
AI Regulation
In 2024, Mauritania’s Ministry of Digital Transformation and Modernization of Administration released ‘The National Artificial Intelligence Strategy of Mauritania 2024-2029’ (the “AI Strategy”).1
Definitions of AI
In defining AI, the AI Strategy adopts the definition of “AI System” provided by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which states: “An AI system is a machine-based system that, for explicit or implicit objectives, infers, from the input it receives, how to generate outputs such as predictions, content, recommendations, or decisions that can influence physical or virtual environments. Different AI systems vary in their levels of autonomy and adaptiveness after deployment.”2
The AI Strategy furthermore distinguishes between two broad categories of AI as follows:
Narrow AI (Weak AI): This type of AI is designed to perform a specific task or a narrow range of tasks. Examples include voice recognition systems, recommendation algorithms, image recognition software, and autonomous vehicles. Narrow AI systems excel in their specific tasks but do not possess general intelligence or consciousness.
General AI (Strong AI): General AI refers to machines that exhibit intelligence like humans across a wide range of tasks and domains. These hypothetical systems would have the ability to understand and learn from diverse experiences, apply knowledge to new situations, engage in complex reasoning, and demonstrate creativity. General AI remains an ongoing subject of research and development.
Core Principles
While the AI Strategy does not explicitly outline AI principles, it emphasises a commitment to upholding the ethical standards set by the Arab League, the African Union, and the United Nations.3
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 Mauritania4
- National Strategy for Research and Innovation (Stratégie Nationale de la Recherche et de l'Innovation), dated 20225
- National Strategy for Accelerated Growth and Shared Prosperity 2016-2030 (Stratégie Nationale de Croissance Accélérée et de Prospérité Partagée) (SCAPP 2016-2030)6
- National Digital Transformation Agenda 2022-2025 (Agenda National de Transition Numérique 2022-2025)7
- National Digital Security Strategy 2022-2025 (Stratégie Nationale de Sécurité Numérique 2022-2025)8
- Project of Strategy for Modernization of the Administration 2024-2027 (Projet de Stratégie de Modernisation de l'Administration 2024-2027)9
- Electronic Communications Law (Law No. 2013-025), as amended and supplemented by Law No. 2022-01410
- Electronic Transactions Law (Law No. 2018-022)11
- Technological and Innovative Startups Law (Law No. 2024-002)12
- Personal Data Protection Law (Law No. 2017-020)13
- Cybercrime Law (Law No. 2016-007)14
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, Mauritania has committed to upholding the principles of the UDHR. The Constitution of Mauritania includes provisions that protect fundamental human rights.15 Article 13 guarantees the right to privacy (protection of the honour and private life of citizens, and inviolability of the human person, their domicile and their correspondence). Other protections include the rights to equality (Article 1) and freedom of expression (Article 10). Mauritania has ratified several key international human rights instruments, including the ACHPR, ICCPR, and ICESCR. Additionally, the country has ratified the Malabo Convention.
Regulators
A non-exhaustive list of regulators that might impact AI in the country includes:
- Ministry of Digital Transformation and Modernisation of Administration (Ministère de la Transformation Numérique et la Modernisation de l'Administration) (MTNIMA)16
- Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (Ministère de l'Enseignement Supérieur et de la Recherche Scientifique) (MESRS)17
- National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation (Agence Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique et de l'Innovation) (ANRSI)18
- Personal Data Protection Authority (Autorité de Protection des Données à Caractère Personnel) (APD)19
- Directorate of Standardisation and Quality Promotion (Direction de la Normalisation et de la Promotion de la Qualité)20
- Directorate of Competition and Consumer Protection (Direction de la Protection des Consommateurs et de la Répression de la Fraude) (DCPC)21
- National Commission for Human Rights (Commission Nationale des Droits de l'Homme) (CNDH)22
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.
