Artificial Intelligence law at Mauritania
As of May 2025, Mauritania is actively developing its legal and strategic framework for Artificial Intelligence (AI), with a focus on fostering innovation, ensuring ethical practices, and promoting digital inclusion.
🇲🇷 National AI Strategy (2024–2029)
Mauritania has unveiled its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2024–2029, aiming to position the country as a regional leader in AI. The strategy outlines five strategic priorities:(www.slideshare.net)
Enhancing Human Capacities in AI and Data Science: Developing training and certification programs, expanding academic offerings, and supporting professional integration in AI and data science.(www.slideshare.net)
Promoting Research and Innovation in AI: Funding university equipment, supporting AI and technological entrepreneurship, and establishing sustainable financing mechanisms for research and innovation.(www.slideshare.net)
Enhancing Regional and International Collaborations: Facilitating exchanges of students and experts, developing rules for data sharing, and participating in global data governance and responsible AI initiatives.(www.slideshare.net)
Establishing Data Governance for AI: Collecting and securing datasets, enhancing skills in data management, and creating robust governance to support AI research.(mtnima.gov.mr)
Addressing Ethical Issues of AI: Adopting policies compliant with data protection regulations and enhancing cooperation for AI regulation.(mtnima.gov.mr)
These priorities aim to modernize and improve the management of resources and essential services for Mauritania's sustainable development. (mtnima.gov.mr)
🏛️ Institutional Oversight
The implementation of the AI strategy is overseen by a sub-committee under the Supreme Council for Digitalization, involving representatives from key ministries, academia, and the private sector. This body coordinates activities, assesses progress, and proposes necessary adjustments. (Digital Watch Observatory)
🔐 Data Protection and Cybersecurity
Mauritania's Law on Personal Data Protection sets out requirements for data processing and establishes the Mauritanian Data Protection Authority (APD). However, the law's effectiveness is hindered by the lack of implementing decrees, which has delayed its full operationalization. This situation underscores the need for effective cybercrime and personal data protection legislation to ensure cybersecurity and protect citizens' data rights. (DataGuidance, africtivistes.com)
🌐 Regional and International Engagement
Mauritania actively participates in regional initiatives to promote AI development and regulation. In October 2024, Bishkek hosted the Turkic States Artificial Intelligence Forum, bringing together officials, experts, and policymakers from member states to discuss AI governance and digital transformation. Additionally, Mauritania participated in the approval of the Model Law on Artificial Intelligence Technologies within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), aiming to establish common terminology and principles for AI use in the region.
✅ Summary
National AI Strategy (2024–2029): Focuses on human capacity building, research and innovation, data governance, and ethical AI practices.(mtnima.gov.mr)
Institutional Oversight: Managed by a sub-committee under the Supreme Council for Digitalization.(Digital Watch Observatory)
Data Protection: Law established but hindered by lack of implementing decrees; APD created.(africtivistes.com)
Regional Engagement: Active participation in regional AI initiatives and forums.(Paradigm Initiative)
Mauritania is making significant strides in developing a comprehensive legal and strategic framework for AI, balancing innovation with ethical considerations and regional cooperation.
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