Advancing Rights-Based AI Strategy in Côte d’Ivoire
This policy brief by Paradigm Initiative analyses Côte d'Ivoire's National AI and Data Governance Strategy, identifying critical gaps in human rights protections, equity considerations, and implementation frameworks. The report highlights the strategy's reliance on outdated legislation, lack of focus on marginalized groups, and absence of clear operational roadmaps or risk assessment mandates. Drawing on comparative insights from Kenya and Brazil, the brief provides concrete recommendations to build a more inclusive, rights-based AI ecosystem in Côte d'Ivoire.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
Policymakers, civil society organizations, and researchers interested in digital rights and AI governance in Africa should read this to understand the policy gaps and recommendations for Côte d'Ivoire.
What the document contains
The document provides a civil society critique of Côte d'Ivoire's National AI and Data Governance Strategy, evaluating its five core objectives and identifying gaps regarding human rights, outdated legislation, vulnerable populations, and implementation oversight.
It does not provide original binding legislation or an enforceable regulatory code, instead offering an external civil society analysis and recommendations.
- Côte d'Ivoire's National AI and Data Governance Strategy lacks a detailed ethical and human rights framework to guide implementation.
- Existing foundational laws concerning data protection, cybercrime, and intellectual property are outdated and insufficient for addressing modern AI challenges.
- The strategy neglects equity, gender considerations, and the specific needs of vulnerable groups and persons with disabilities.
- The absence of implementation milestones, timelines, and public tracking mechanisms undermines accountability and transparency.
- Comparative approaches from Kenya and Brazil demonstrate the value of integrating human rights impact assessments and tiered risk classifications into national AI strategies.
· Executive Summary · Background · Overview of Côte d’Ivoire’s AI Strategy · Key Issues and Gaps Identified · Case in point: Learning from Kenya’s proactive approach · Case in point: Brazil’s Holistic Approach to AI Regulation · Conclusion and Recommendations
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Accountability
2/5Clear responsibility for AI outcomes
making accountability virtually impossible.
Overview of Côte d’Ivoire’s AI Strategy
screening score · 2026-10-23
Fairness
3/5Non-discrimination and equitable treatment
the potential for algorithmic bias to perpetuate and even amplify existing societal inequalities
Overview of Côte d’Ivoire’s AI Strategy
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Dignity
3/5Respect for the inherent worth of persons
particularly the safeguarding of fundamental human rights, the meaningful inclusion of marginalised populations
Executive Summary
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Oversight
0/5Humans remain in control of consequential decisions
screening score · 2026-10-23
Privacy
3/5Protection of personal data and private life
This pillar encompasses key considerations such as data protection to safeguard individual privacy
Overview of Côte d’Ivoire’s AI Strategy
screening score · 2026-10-23
Transparency
3/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
a concerning lack of transparency that can obscure decision-making processes by AI systems
Overview of Côte d’Ivoire’s AI Strategy
screening score · 2026-10-23
Enforcement
1/5Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force
these existing legal instruments may no longer be adequate to effectively address AI deployment’s complex legal, ethical, and societal implications.
Key Issues and Gaps Identified
screening score · 2026-10-23
Impact Assessment
2/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
Without explicit mechanisms to conduct human rights impact assessments for AI applications, Côte d’Ivoire risks inadvertently developing and deploying systems
Overview of Côte d’Ivoire’s AI Strategy
screening score · 2026-10-23