Benin hosts first Law and Tech Meetings to promote AI regulation and data governance
Date: 2025-12-12
By: Kanto Kai Okanta
Benin
has convened the inaugural edition of the Law and Tech Meetings (RDV du Droit
et de la Tech), a high-level forum dedicated to artificial intelligence
governance, data protection, and digital sovereignty. Supported by the Agence
des Systèmes d'Information et du Numérique (ASIN), the event brought together
policymakers, legal experts, industry leaders, and technology stakeholders for
in-depth discussions on the country’s digital future.
The
opening session featured a ministerial dialogue on the theme “What balance
between regulation for ethical AI and innovation?” Minister of Justice and
Legislation, Yvon Detchenou outlined the ethical and legal foundations guiding
the development of artificial intelligence in Benin. He emphasized the need to
manage emerging risks while fostering an environment that encourages innovation
and responsible technological adoption.
The
keynote address, delivered by Gérard Haas, a specialist in digital and
intellectual property law, examined the rapid evolution of legal frameworks in
response to emerging technologies. Haas highlighted shifting intellectual
property standards, increasing responsibilities in data management, and the
broader implications of AI proliferation on regulatory systems.
A high-level roundtable followed, focusing on “Data governance and digital sovereignty in the era of the flood of new technologies.” Participants included APDP President Luciano Hounkponou; MTN Benin Executive Director Uche Ofodile; ISOCEL Managing Director Robert Aouad; legal expert Gérard Haas; and Djabirou Amadou, Deputy Director at the Ministry of Digital and Digitization.
The panel
explored issues such as cross-border data flows, platform governance,
contractual models, and emerging risks linked to artificial intelligence.
Closing
the event, ASIN Director General Marc-André AkinOlu Loko expressed the agency’s
ambition to institutionalize the Law and Tech Meetings as a recurring platform
for dialogue. He underscored the importance of building a mature, ethical,
secure, and sovereign digital ecosystem capable of protecting citizens’ rights
while driving national competitiveness and innovation.
