The Comoros has taken a significant step in assessing its readiness for artificial intelligence (AI) with the release of the Ram 2.0 diagnostic report. Developed with the support of UNESCO and Japan, the report evaluates the country's preparedness in several public policy areas. The exercise resulted in 23 recommendations to be implemented by 2030. A national consultation was held on August 10, gathering around 40 representatives from public institutions, private sector, civil society, and technical partners.
According to Karim Attoumani, a member of AI Ethics Experts Without Borders, a global network of AI ethics experts created by UNESCO, the Ram 2.0 report places Comoros at an emerging stage in AI preparedness. The report highlights that while AI tools are accessible to citizens, professionals, and businesses, the country lacks a structured and generalized deployment of AI systems in public policies. Attoumani emphasizes the need to distinguish between AI usage and national capacity to govern and develop AI.
The report identifies significant gaps in the country's AI landscape, particularly in the areas of governance, data, infrastructure, education, and research. On the legal front, Comoros has legislation with several provisions dedicated to AI in the media, but the framework is mainly sectoral rather than transversal. The country lacks a national AI strategy, specific legal instruments, and an independent body for ethical guidance.
Despite these challenges, the report notes recent progress, including the establishment of a multidisciplinary national steering committee. Attoumani highlights that Comoros has a solid foundation for a future national AI policy, citing the Comores Numerique 2028 strategy, which sets the general framework for digital transformation. The country also has international connectivity infrastructure, a cybersecurity and data protection framework, and a first legislative reference to AI.
The Ram 2.0 report emphasizes the need for Comoros to develop a national AI strategy, improve data governance and interoperability, and establish a fully operational data protection framework. UNESCO supported the methodology, evaluation process, and structuring of a national approach. The diagnostic exercise involved multiple dimensions, including governance, data, infrastructure, education, and research.
The next step lies with policymakers, who must develop a national AI strategy that defines a vision, priorities, and a governance framework. The strategy should also identify sectors where AI can add significant value. Attoumani stresses the importance of creating a strategy tailored to Comoros' context, taking into account its insularity and market size.
Data issues will be central to this strategy, particularly the digitization of local languages and cultural context. Attoumani argues that neglecting these aspects may lead to exclusion from future digital services. The implementation of the 23 recommendations will require concerted efforts from stakeholders to address the identified gaps and create an enabling environment for AI adoption in Comoros.
Key points
- Comoros has released a diagnostic report assessing its readiness for artificial intelligence, with 23 recommendations for implementation by 2030.
- The report highlights significant gaps in governance, data, infrastructure, education, and research, but notes recent progress in establishing a national steering committee.
- A national AI strategy is needed to define a vision, priorities, and a governance framework, taking into account Comoros' unique context and challenges.
