Artificial Intelligence law at Gabon
As of May 2025, Gabon has made significant strides in establishing a legal and regulatory framework for artificial intelligence (AI), particularly through the integration of AI considerations into its data protection laws and the creation of dedicated governance structures.
🇬🇦 Gabon's Approach to AI Regulation
Gabon has not enacted a standalone AI law; however, the country has incorporated AI-related provisions into its data protection legislation. In July 2023, Gabon amended its Personal Data Protection Act (Law No. 025/2023), introducing specific references to AI technologies. The amendments define key AI-related terms such as "artificial intelligence," "profiling," "facial recognition," "automated processing," "automatic speech processing," and "natural language processing." These definitions lay the groundwork for regulating AI applications that involve personal data, ensuring that such technologies are subject to data protection principles and oversight .(DataGuidance, African AI Observatory)
🧑💼 Governance and Institutional Framework
To oversee AI development and ensure its ethical implementation, Gabon established the National Technical Committee for Artificial Intelligence (CTN-IA) in December 2023. This committee, operating under the Ministry of New Information and Communication Technologies, was tasked with conducting a Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) to evaluate the country's preparedness for AI adoption. The final report was presented to the Prime Minister in January 2024, outlining strategies for integrating AI into various sectors while safeguarding ethical standards .(UNESCO, UNECA)
Additionally, Gabon is collaborating with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) to explore ways to accelerate economic diversification through AI. A sub-regional workshop held in December 2024 focused on the economic, social, and ethical aspects of AI, aiming to align Gabon's AI initiatives with sustainable growth objectives .(UNECA, UNECA)
🛡️ Data Protection and AI
The amended Personal Data Protection Act not only defines AI-related terms but also imposes obligations on entities deploying AI systems that process personal data. For instance, such entities must submit notifications or declarations regarding their operations, and their methods must adhere to standards set by the regulatory authority. The law also grants individuals the right to object to decisions based solely on automated processing, including profiling, that produce legal effects concerning them or significantly affect them in a similar way .(DataGuidance, DataGuidance)
Enforcement of these provisions is managed by the Gabonese Personal Data Protection Authority (APDPVP), which has the authority to impose administrative sanctions, including warnings and formal notices, as well as financial penalties ranging from CFA 1 million to CFA 100 million for non-compliance. In cases of severe violations, the authority can suspend or prohibit data processing activities .(DataGuidance)
🚀 Strategic Initiatives and Infrastructure
Gabon is actively working to position itself as a digital hub in Central Africa. The National Agency for Digital Infrastructures and Frequencies (ANINF) plays a central role in this transformation by overseeing the development of digital infrastructures and ensuring the security of digital services, including those related to AI applications. ANINF's efforts are aligned with the broader national strategy to enhance digital connectivity and promote the responsible use of AI technologies .(Aninf.ga)
🧭 Conclusion
While Gabon does not yet have a comprehensive, standalone AI law, the integration of AI considerations into its data protection legislation, the establishment of dedicated governance bodies, and strategic collaborations indicate a proactive approach to AI regulation. These developments suggest that Gabon is laying a solid foundation for the ethical and responsible deployment of AI technologies in the country.
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