For an explanation of how to read this resource, please refer to the guide at the bottom.
AI Regulation
In September 2023, Senegal’s Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications and the Digital Economy released the national strategy for artificial intelligence (SNDIA) (the “AI Strategy”).1
Definitions of AI
In the absence of publicly available official instruments on AI regulation in the country, including the AI Strategy, we have not verified the existence of any definitions of AI.
Core Principles
In the absence of publicly available official instruments on AI regulation in the country, we have not verified the existence of any 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 Senegal2
- Senegal 20503
- Emerging Senegal Plan (Plan Sénégal Émergent) (PSE), covering 2024-20284
- National Development Strategy 2025-2029 (Stratégie Nationale De Développement
- 2025-2029)5
- Technological New Deal, launched February 20256
- Senegal Digital Strategy 2016-2025 (Stratégie Sénégal Numérique 2016-2025)7
- National Data Strategy (Stratégie Nationale des Données)8
- National Cybersecurity Strategy 2022 (Stratégie Nationale de Cybersécurité du Sénégal) (SNC 2022)9
- Electronic Communications Law (Law No. 2018-28)10
- Electronic Transactions Law (Law No. 2008-08 of 25 January 2008), and the related Decree No. 2008-720 of 30 June 2008 on electronic certification11
- Telecommunications Law (Law No. 2011-01 of 24 February 2011)12
- Startups Creation and Promotion Law (Law No. 2020-01 of 6 January 2020)13
- Framework Law on the Information Society (Law 2008-10)14
- Personal Data Protection Law (Law No. 2008-12)15
- Cybercrime Law (Law No. 2008-11 of 25 January 2008)16
- Consumer Protection Law (Law No. 2021-25 of 12 April 2021)17
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, Senegal has committed to upholding the principles of the UDHR. The Constitution of Senegal includes provisions that protect fundamental human rights.18 Articles 13 and 16 guarantee the right to privacy (secrecy of correspondence and communications, and inviolability of domicile). Other protections include the rights to life and equality (Article 7), freedom of expression (Articles 8 and 10), health (Articles 8 and 17), education (Articles 8, 21 and 22), and work (Articles 8 and 25). Senegal has ratified several key international human rights instruments, including the ACHPR, ICCPR, and ICESCR. Additionally, Senegal has ratified the Malabo Convention.
Regulators
A non-exhaustive list of regulators that might impact AI in the country includes:
- Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy (Ministère de la Communication, des Télécommunications et du Numérique) (MTCN)19
- Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (Ministère de l'Enseignement Supérieur, de la Recherche et de l'Innovation) (MESRI)20
- Agency for Information Technology Development (Agence de Développement Informatique) (Sénégal Numérique)21
- General Directorate of Cryptography and Information Systems Security (Direction Générale du Chiffre et de la Sécurité des Systèmes d'Information) (DCSSI)22
- Commission for the Protection of Personal Data (Commission de Protection des Données Personnelles) (CDP)23
- University CSIRT (Computer Security Incident Response Team) (CSIRT Universitaire)24
- Senegalese Association for Standardisation (Association Sénégalaise de Normalisation) (ASN)25
- National Human Rights Commission of Senegal (Commission Nationale des Droits de l'Homme du Sénégal) (CNDH)26
R&D and Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives
- In April 2023, MCTN and Presight AI, a UAE big data analytics company, signed a memorandum of understanding to advance digital transformation in Senegal.27 This collaboration aims to drive digital transformation in Senegal, leveraging big data analytics and AI technology to improve government services.28
- In August 2023, the ‘Artificial Intelligence and Hybrid Modeling for Community-Based Early Detection of Zoonotic Diseases in the Context of Climate Change’ initiative was launched in Senegal.29 This five-year project is led by the Laboratory of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Psychology (LASAP) at Cheikh Anta Diop University, in partnership with the Directorate of Prevention (DP), the Division of Epidemiological Surveillance and Vaccine Response (MSAS), and the Network of Community Volunteers in Support of Health Personnel (REVOCAP). The project is funded by the Global South Artificial Intelligence for Pandemic and Epidemic Preparedness and Response Network (AI4PEP), with network support from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and York University in Canada.
- In November 2023, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) partnered with KERA Health Platforms, a pre-seed stage health tech company in Dakar, Senegal, to enhance healthcare services in West Africa using AI and digital solutions.30
- In October 2024, MCTN collaborated with the French Embassy in Senegal and AI Hub Senegal to launch a seed fund of 59 million CFA francs (around $98,222) for the award of grants to Senegalese entrepreneurs for the creation of AI-based solutions.31
- The Data Innovation Centre for Artificial Intelligence 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.32 AI4D allocated CA$516,500 for a 24-month period to support the project's promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration among experts in the sectors of AI, data, agriculture, health, and environment.33 The Centre was launched in January 2025 alongside the inauguration of the ALIVE laboratory, also an AI4D project.34
Professional/Industry Associations
A non-exhaustive list of professional or industry associations with a focus on AI in the country includes:
- Galsen AI35
- AI Hub Senegal36
Additionally, the Organisation of ICT Professionals (Organisation des Professionnels des TIC) (OPTIC) is an association with a broad scope that could include AI.37
Advisory Bodies and Expert Groups
In February 2025, at the unveiling of the Technological New Deal by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, a 20-member national digital council was also announced with responsibility for advising the Prime Minister on matters of digital technology.38
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.
