The National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence and Big Data (SNIAM) of Benin

The National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence and Big Data (SNIAM) of Benin, spearheaded by the Ministry of Digital and Digitalization, aims to establish Benin as a prominent player in the AI and big data domains by 2027. This strategy was officially adopted by the Council of Ministers on 18 January 2023. The comprehensive approach integrates stakeholders and focuses on technological solutions tailored to the nation’s needs, especially in sectors like education, health, agriculture, living environment, and tourism.

Vision and Objectives

The SNIAM envisions transforming Benin into a beacon of AI and big data innovation, leveraging these technologies to enhance national development. The strategy is structured into four programs, rolled out over three phases within five years, encompassing 123 actions impacting both the public and private sectors. This initiative is designed to seise current and future opportunities in AI and big data, making Benin more attractive for investments, particularly from the private sector and development partners.

The strategy is grounded in Benin’s National Development Plan 2018-2025 (PND) and the Government Action Program (PAG) 2021-2026. These frameworks identify the digital economy as a critical lever for accelerating structural economic transformation, with AI and big data playing central roles in this transformation.

Strategic Framework

The strategic framework includes:

1. Foundations and Principles: The strategy is built on the pillars of the PND and PAG, emphasizing the development of a robust AI ecosystem and positioning Benin as a leader in digital services within West Africa.
2. Vision: By 2027, Benin aims to shine in AI, driving growth in strategic sectors through innovative applications and fostering a skilled workforce.
3. Theory of Change: The strategy outlines short-term, medium-term, and long-term changes, focusing on deploying impactful AI solutions, building human capacities, and establishing a regulated environment for AI initiatives.
4. Strategic Orientations: The strategy is implemented through three main orientations:
   • Organising and consolidating the existing AI ecosystem.
   • Developing and supporting the AI ecosystem.
   • Valuing the ecosystem, knowledge, and Beninese expertise in AI.

Programmatic Framework

The strategy’s implementation involves a detailed action plan, divided into four key programs:

1. Development and Implementation of High-Impact AI Solutions: This includes deploying AI initiatives identified during the strategic planning phase, such as predictive models in agriculture, health diagnostics, and smart urban planning.
2. Strengthening Human Capacities: This program focuses on education and training in AI and data management, ensuring that the workforce is well-equipped to handle emerging technologies.
3. Support for Research, Innovation, and Private Sector Cooperation: The strategy emphasises fostering research collaborations, providing financial mechanisms for innovation, and enhancing international cooperation.
4. Establishing a Governance Framework for AI and Big Data Management: This involves updating legal and regulatory frameworks to address ethical and responsibility issues related to AI, ensuring robust data governance, and creating a controlled environment for AI development.

Funding and Implementation

The estimated cost for implementing the strategy over five years is approximately 4.68 billion FCFA. The funding strategy involves mobilising both internal and external resources, including national funding, private sector investments, and international aid. The success of the strategy hinges on establishing consultative structures and strategic financial planning to attract massive support from development partners.