Tanzania drafts inclusive AI laws and launches Kiswahili legal access in major justice reforms

Attorney General’s Office Advances Inclusive AI Legal Framework

The Tanzanian government is actively developing a legal framework to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) that reflects the needs of all sectors of society. Onorius Njole, the chief parliamentary draftsman, shared these insights during an engagement at the 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), held within the Constitutional and Legal Affairs ministerial pavilion.

This legal framework is being crafted with input from diverse stakeholders, ensuring it aligns with both global trends and domestic requirements. The goal is to create legal mechanisms that govern AI use productively and ethically, while protecting citizens and institutions from misuse or disruption.

Balancing AI’s Benefits and Risks

AI presents significant opportunities across sectors such as education, health, agriculture, finance, and governance. At the same time, it carries risks that demand careful regulation. Njole emphasized the importance of establishing a strong legal foundation to manage this balance effectively.

Rather than imposing regulations top-down, the process will involve transparent, collaborative development. Civil society, technologists, businesses, academia, and professional groups will be consulted to determine suitable AI applications and deployment methods that serve Tanzanians best.

Enhancing Legal Accessibility and Reform

In a related initiative, the first-ever Kiswahili translations of Tanzanian laws are expected by late next month. This aligns with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s directive to improve access to legal information by presenting laws in the widely understood national language. Translating laws into Kiswahili aims to boost legal literacy and accessibility for the general public.

Additionally, a major law revision project is underway to consolidate and harmonize national laws that have undergone numerous amendments. These updated volumes will serve as a reliable reference for the judiciary, law enforcement, legal professionals, and citizens alike.

For the first time, citizens will also access these revised laws digitally via the Office of the Attorney General’s management information system. This digital availability enhances transparency and convenience.

Modernizing Tanzania’s Legal Sector

These efforts form part of a broader agenda to modernize Tanzania’s legal framework, making it more responsive to current and future challenges. As Rehema Katuga, assistant to the draftsman, noted, the updates mark a new chapter, aligning the legal landscape with present realities and preparing it to support emerging opportunities.

• Inclusive and collaborative AI regulation development
• Translation of laws into Kiswahili for wider accessibility
• Comprehensive law consolidation and harmonization
• Digital access to updated legal texts for all citizens

Legal professionals interested in AI governance and policy development can explore relevant training and resources at Complete AI Training to stay informed on best practices and emerging trends.