AI regulation in Cape Verde (2026)

As of May 2026, Cape Verde has no dedicated AI legislation, sectoral AI-specific regulation, or formally adopted AI guidelines. The government is still in the strategy-development phase.

Digital Economy Minister Olavo Correia formally launched the co-development of a National AI Strategy alongside a National Data Strategy for public administration in April–May 2026, aiming to shift from siloed systems to integrated, responsible AI use in the public interest.

In April 2025, Cape Verde hosted the 'Building the Digital Future' international conference under the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data's Power of Data initiative, establishing the national dialogue that underpinned the 2026 strategy launch.

Law 121/IX/2021 (amending Law 133/V/2001) introduced GDPR-aligned rights — including data portability, erasure, restriction of processing, and a 72-hour breach notification requirement — and empowers the CNPD to apply them to AI systems that process personal data.

As an AU member state, Cape Verde is covered by the AU Continental AI Strategy approved by the AU Executive Council in July 2024, which sets a development-focused, ethics-centred continental framework for AI governance and provides a reference for Cape Verde's own strategy-building.

No bans on specific AI applications (e.g., real-time biometric surveillance) and no sector-specific AI rules (finance, health, etc.) have been enacted; the regulatory space remains unoccupied pending completion of the national strategy.