AI regulation in Mauritania (2026)

MTNIMA published a National AI Strategy covering 2024–2029, comprising five strategic priorities, twelve objectives, and thirty measures targeting priority sectors including healthcare, education, agriculture, fishing, transport, energy, and defence.

As of mid-2026, Mauritania has not enacted comprehensive binding AI legislation or sector-specific AI rules; governance relies entirely on the non-binding strategy and existing general-purpose digital and data-protection laws.

Implementation is overseen by a sub-committee under the Supreme Council for Digitalization, with representatives drawn from key ministries, academia, and the private sector.

Law No. 2017-020 of 22 July 2017 established Mauritania's personal data protection framework and created the APD; in February 2022 the government adopted the regulation defining the APD's composition and functioning, but full operationalization remains pending due to absent implementing decrees.

Ethical AI use and data governance for AI are two of the strategy's five explicit priorities, reflecting alignment with African Union continental AI governance norms and OECD AI Principles.

Strengthening regional and international cooperation is one of the strategy's five priorities; Mauritania participates in African Union continental AI discussions and is registered as an active policy initiative on OECD.AI.