Artificial Intelligence law at Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso is actively developing its artificial intelligence (AI) landscape, focusing on ethical governance, digital infrastructure, and capacity building to harness AI for national development.
🇧🇫 National AI Strategy and Institutional Framework
The Burkinabe government is positioning AI as a strategic driver for digital and economic development. Minister of Digital Transition, Aminata Zerbo/Sabane, emphasized the goal of establishing Burkina Faso as a hub for independent AI innovation, developing solutions tailored to the country's needs. To oversee AI development, the government established the Permanent Secretariat for Innovation and Monitoring of Emerging Digital Technologies (SPIVTEN), which is responsible for regulating AI initiatives .(We are Tech)
📜 Legal and Ethical Frameworks
While Burkina Faso has not yet adopted a comprehensive national AI law, it has made significant strides in related areas:
Data Protection: The country enacted Law No. 001-2021/AN on March 30, 2021, which updates and strengthens data protection regulations to address modern technological challenges. The law applies to both automated and non-automated data processing and emphasizes principles such as lawfulness, fairness, and data minimization .(Digital Watch Observatory)
Cybersecurity: In July 2024, Burkina Faso adopted a new law on information systems security to protect public administrations and economic units from cyber threats. This law enhances the role of the National Agency for Information Systems Security (ANSSI) in safeguarding the nation's cyberspace .(Powers of Africa)
Ethical AI Governance: In October 2024, Burkina Faso hosted a regional workshop in Ouagadougou to develop guidelines for the ethical, responsible, and inclusive use of AI in West Africa. The workshop aimed to create a governance framework that respects African values and ensures AI benefits are equitably distributed .(africalibertynews)
🧠 Capacity Building and Infrastructure
Burkina Faso is investing in digital infrastructure and human capital to support AI development:
Digital Transformation Acceleration Project (PACDIGITAL): This project, supported by the World Bank, aims to improve access to infrastructure, public services, and digital skills, particularly for vulnerable populations .(World Bank Group)
AI Centers of Excellence: The government plans to establish AI centers of excellence and offer scholarships for specialized training to cultivate a generation of AI experts capable of competing regionally .(We are Tech)
🌍 Regional Collaboration and International Engagement
Burkina Faso is actively participating in regional and international initiatives to develop responsible AI frameworks:
ECOWAS Collaboration: The country is involved in efforts to harmonize AI strategies within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), promoting a regional approach to AI governance .(grain-africa.org)
UNESCO Project: Burkina Faso is a participant in UNESCO's project "Promoting AI and the Rule of Law in West Africa," which aims to raise awareness on the impact of AI on human rights and build the capacity of judges on AI and the rule of law .(UNESCO Core)
In summary, while Burkina Faso is still in the early stages of developing a comprehensive AI legal framework, it is making significant progress through strategic planning, legal reforms, capacity building, and regional collaboration to ensure the ethical and responsible development of AI technologies.
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