Artificial Intelligence law at Djibouti
As of May 2025, Djibouti does not have a dedicated national law specifically regulating artificial intelligence (AI). However, the country is actively engaging in regional and continental efforts to develop AI governance frameworks through the African Union (AU).
🇩🇯 Djibouti’s Position on AI Regulation
Djibouti is categorized as "Developing" in terms of AI regulation status within Africa, indicating that while the country may not yet have a comprehensive national AI policy, it is participating in broader regional initiatives to shape AI governance.
🌍 Continental AI Strategy by the African Union
Djibouti, as a member of the African Union, is involved in the AU's Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which was endorsed in July 2024. This strategy aims to guide member states in developing AI policies that are ethical, inclusive, and aligned with Africa’s development goals. The strategy focuses on five key areas:(Home | White & Case LLP, Wilson Center)
Harnessing AI’s Benefits: Promoting the positive applications of AI to drive socio-economic development.
Building Capabilities: Enhancing skills and infrastructure to support AI innovation.
Minimizing Risks: Addressing ethical concerns and potential harms associated with AI technologies.(cipit.org)
Fostering Cooperation: Encouraging collaboration among member states and with international partners.(AI Framework)
Stimulating Investment: Attracting funding to support AI initiatives and research.
The implementation of this strategy is planned in two phases:(Future of Privacy Forum)
Phase I (2025–2026): Focuses on establishing governance frameworks, developing national AI strategies, and building capacity.(Home | White & Case LLP)
Phase II (2028 onwards): Concentrates on executing core projects and actions informed by a review in 2027. (Future of Privacy Forum)
đź“ś The Malabo Convention
Djibouti is a signatory to the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection, commonly known as the Malabo Convention. This convention, which came into force in June 2023, provides a regional legal framework for data protection, cybersecurity, and privacy. While not exclusively focused on AI, the Malabo Convention's provisions on data protection are relevant to AI governance, particularly concerning the ethical use of data and the protection of individual rights. (arXiv)
🧠Djibouti’s Path Forward
While Djibouti has not yet enacted national AI legislation, its participation in the African Union's initiatives positions it to develop a comprehensive AI governance framework in alignment with regional standards. The country's involvement in the Continental AI Strategy and adherence to the Malabo Convention suggest a commitment to establishing ethical and effective AI policies in the near future.(Future of Privacy Forum)
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