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 Niger1
- Sectoral Policy Document on Telecommunications and Information and Communication Technologies (Document de Politique Sectorielle des Télécommunications et des Technologies de l'Information et de la Communication) (Telecoms and ICT Policy), dated January 20122
- National Cybersecurity Strategy (Stratégie Nationale de Cyber-sécurité)3
- Electronic Communications Law 2018 (Law 2018-45 of 12 July 2018)4
- Electronic Transactions Law (Law No. 2019-03 of 30 April 2019)5
- Personal Data Protection Law
- Law No. 2017-28 of 3 May 2017, as amended by Law No. 2019-71 of 24 December 20196
- Decree No. 2020-309/PRN/MJ of 30 April 2020
- Order No. 000045 of 5 October 2020
- Law No. 2022-59 of 16 December 2022, as amended by Law No. 2023-31 of 4 July 20237
- Cybercrime Law (Law No. 2019-33 of 3 July 2019), as amended by Ordinance No. 2024-28 of 7 June 20248
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, Niger has committed to upholding the principles of the UDHR. The Constitution of Niger includes provisions that protect fundamental human rights.9 Articles 27 and 29 guarantee the right to privacy (inviolability of domicile, and secrecy of correspondence and communications). Other protections include the rights to equality (Article 10), life (Article 12), health (Articles 12 and 13), education (Articles 12 and 23), freedom of expression (Article 30), and work (Article 33). Niger has ratified several key international human rights instruments, including the ACHPR, ICCPR, and ICESCR. Additionally, Niger has ratified the Malabo Convention.
Regulators
A non-exhaustive list of regulators that might impact AI in the country includes:
- Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Posts (Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques et de la Poste) (ARCEP)10
- National Agency for the Information Society (Agence Nationale pour la Société de l'Information) (ANSI)11
- High Authority for the Protection of Personal Data (Haute Autorité de Protection des Données à Caractère Personnel) (HAPDP)12
- Nigerien Agency for Standardisation, Metrology, and Certification (Agence Nigérienne de Normalisation, de Métrologie et de Certification) (ANMC)13
- National Human Rights Commission (Commission Nationale des Droits de l'Homme) (CNDH)14
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.
