Artificial Intelligence law at Togo
As of May 2025, Togo does not have a dedicated national law specifically regulating artificial intelligence (AI). However, the country has implemented several legal frameworks that indirectly address AI-related concerns, particularly concerning data protection, cybersecurity, and digital governance.
🇹🇬 Legal and Regulatory Frameworks Impacting AI in Togo
1. Law No. 2019-014: Protection of Personal Data
Enacted in 2019, this law governs the collection, processing, and storage of personal data in Togo. While not AI-specific, it establishes principles that are relevant to AI applications, such as:
Data Minimization: Collecting only the data necessary for a specific purpose.
Purpose Limitation: Using data solely for the purpose it was collected.(Lawyers Hub)
Transparency and Consent: Ensuring individuals are informed and consent to the processing of their data.
These principles are crucial for AI systems that rely on personal data for training and operation. The Togolese data protection authority oversees the enforcement of this law. (DataGuidance)
2. Cybersecurity Law (2018)
Adopted on December 6, 2018, this law focuses on securing the digital environment in Togo. It includes provisions for:(smartafrica.org)
Establishment of the National Agency for Cybersecurity: Responsible for overseeing cybersecurity efforts.
Creation of a Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) and a Security Operating Center (SOC): To respond to and manage cybersecurity incidents.
While the law primarily addresses cybersecurity, its provisions are pertinent to AI systems that operate within digital infrastructures.
3. Law No. 2017-015: Electronic Transactions
This law regulates electronic transactions in Togo, providing a legal framework for digital contracts and electronic signatures. It supports the digital economy by ensuring the legality and security of electronic transactions, which are integral to many AI applications.
4. Law No. 2020-014: Biometric Identification
Enacted in 2020, this law mandates the use of biometric identification for all citizens aged five and above. While not directly related to AI, biometric data is often used in AI systems for identification and authentication purposes.(World Economic Forum)
🧠 AI Applications and Initiatives in Togo
Despite the absence of specific AI legislation, Togo has leveraged AI in various initiatives:
NOVISSI Program: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Togo implemented the NOVISSI program, a digital emergency cash transfer initiative that utilized AI, satellite imagery, and mobile data to identify and support vulnerable populations. This program highlighted the potential of AI in social welfare but also underscored the need for clear data governance policies. (World Bank)
Data Lab for Evidence-Based Policy: Togo is establishing a Data Lab in Lomé to utilize data and AI for evidence-based policymaking, monitoring, and program evaluation. This initiative aims to enhance the effectiveness of public policies through data-driven insights. (World Economic Forum)
⚖️ Challenges and Considerations
The lack of a comprehensive AI-specific legal framework in Togo presents several challenges:
Ethical Concerns: Without clear regulations, AI applications may inadvertently perpetuate biases or infringe on individual rights.
Data Privacy Issues: The use of personal data in AI systems without explicit consent can lead to privacy violations.
Accountability and Transparency: The absence of regulations makes it difficult to hold entities accountable for the outcomes of AI systems.
These challenges emphasize the need for Togo to develop a dedicated AI policy that addresses ethical, legal, and social implications.
✅ Summary
| Aspect | Status in Togo |
|---|---|
| AI-Specific Legislation | ❌ Not enacted |
| Data Protection Law | ✅ Law No. 2019-014 |
| Cybersecurity Law | ✅ Enacted in 2018 |
| Biometric Identification | ✅ Law No. 2020-014 |
| AI Applications | ✅ Implemented in social welfare programs |
| Ethical and Legal Framework | ⚠️ Lacking dedicated AI-specific regulations |
In conclusion, while Togo has made strides in integrating AI into public services, the absence of specific AI legislation necessitates the development of a comprehensive legal framework to ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI technologies.
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