AI regulation in Niger (2026)

At the launch of SIATeG, the government stated through its ministerial department that it intends to develop the national strategy for artificial intelligence and data management via an inclusive approach emphasizing local realities and ethics, and to strengthen the related legislative and regulatory framework. As of 2026 no such strategy or AI law has been adopted.

ANSI, in partnership with geoMINDS Africa, launched the first 'Semaine de l'Intelligence Artificielle et des Technologies Géospatiales' on 27 November 2024 in Niamey, framed as a space for dialogue among public, private and civil-society actors on AI opportunities, challenges and governance, ahead of a national strategy.

There is no comprehensive AI act, no AI sectoral regulation, and no formally adopted AI ethics guidelines in force. Governance of AI today rests on general digital, data-protection and cybersecurity instruments rather than any AI-targeted rule.

The most relevant in-force regime is data protection: originally Law No. 2017-28 of 3 May 2017 (which created the independent Haute Autorité de Protection des Données à caractère Personnel), since repealed and replaced by Law No. 2022-59 of 16 December 2022 (as amended in 2023 and by 2024 ordinances). It governs processing of personal data but is not AI-specific.

Niger is preparing a National Digital Development Policy (PNDN 2026-2035) and accompanying sectoral plan, with stakeholder validation work in Niamey, aiming to make digital technology a lever of economic transformation by 2035; AI/data governance is expected to sit within this wider framework.

By decree of 27 December 2022, Niger adopted a National Cybersecurity Strategy 2023-2027 focused on strengthening legislative, regulatory and institutional frameworks and protecting critical infrastructure — part of the digital-governance context around AI, though not addressing AI directly.