For an explanation of how to read this resource, refer to the guide at the end.
AI Regulation
There is no regulation specifically governing AI in the country. However, there have been certain actions in furtherance of AI governance. In June 2024, Togo hosted its inaugural Artificial Intelligence Week (Semaine de l’Intelligence Artificielle) (AIS), launched by the Minister of Communication, Media and Culture.1
Definitions of AI
As the country is yet to establish AI regulations, there is no formal definition of AI.
Core Principles
As the country is yet to establish AI regulations, there is no formal statement of core AI principles.
Public Consultations
Based on publicly available information, we have not found evidence of invitations for public input on AI governance in the country.
Existing Legal Framework
A non-exhaustive list of regulations that might affect AI in the country includes:
- Constitution of Togo2
- National Development Plan (NDP) 2018-20223
- Togo 2025 Government Roadmap4
- Digital Togo 2025 (Togo Digital 2025)5
- Electronic Transactions Law (Law No. 2017-007 of 22 June 2017)6
- Data Protection Law (Law No. 2019-014 of 29 October 2019)7
- Law on Freedom of Access to Information and Public Documentation (Law No. 2016-006 of 30 March 2016)8
- Law on Cybersecurity and the Fight Against Cybercrime (Law No. 2018-026 of 7 December 2018)9
Human Rights
The UDHR was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 1948. Its principles are considered universal and applicable to all UN member states. As a member of the UN, Togo has committed to upholding the principles of the UDHR. The Constitution of Togo includes provisions that protect fundamental human rights.10 Articles 28 and 29 guarantee the right to privacy (inviolability of domicile, protection of private life, honour, dignity and image, and secrecy of correspondence, communications, and telecommunications). Other protections include the rights to equality (Article 11), dignity (Articles 11 and 28), life (Article 13), freedom of expression (Article 25), and health, education, and work (Articles 34, 35, and 37, respectively). Togo has ratified several key international human rights instruments, including the ACHPR, ICCPR, and ICESCR. Additionally, Togo has ratified the Malabo Convention.
Regulators
A non-exhaustive list of regulators that might impact AI in the country includes:
- Ministry of Digital Economy and Digital Transformation (Ministère de l’Économie Numérique et de la Transformation Digitale) (MENTD)11
- Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Posts (Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques et des Postes) (ARCEP)12
- Computer Emergency Response Team Togo (CERT.tg)13
- High Authority for Quality and Environment (Haute Autorité de la Qualité et de l'Environnement) (HAUQE)14
- National Human Rights Commission (Commission Nationale des Droits de L’Homme) (CNDH)15
R&D and Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives
In September 2024, MENTD announced the Togo Data Lab, its collaborative initiative with the Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) of the University of California, Berkeley.16 The programme aims to build data science capacity within the Togolese government, tackle critical policy issues, and support the country’s advancement towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).17
Professional/Industry Associations
A non-exhaustive list of professional or industry associations with a focus on AI in the country includes:
- Togo AI Labs18
- Togolese Community for Artificial Intelligence (Communauté Togolaise d'Intelligence Artificielle) (COTIA)19
Advisory Bodies and Expert Groups
Based on publicly available information, we have not found evidence of advisory bodies or expert groups dedicated to AI in the country.
Guide
- AI Regulation: The term "regulation", as used in this resource, encompasses measures ranging from binding laws to national AI policies and strategies, government proposals, advisory guidelines, and industry standards that address AI systems and their implications.
- Existing Legal Framework: This section outlines the relevant legal framework, excluding any AI-specific regulations presented in the initial section.
- Human Rights: The following terms have the stated meanings: "ACHPR" means the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, "ICCPR" means the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, "ICESCR" means the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, "Malabo Convention" means the African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Personal Data Protection, "UDHR" means the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and "UN" means the United Nations. Any reference to an “Article” or “Section” of the Constitution is to the version of the Constitution referenced herein.
- Advisory Bodies and Expert Groups: This section excludes legislative and parliamentary committees.
