Reforms underway aim to facilitate connectivity for all citizens and businesses. The ministry responsible for Digital Development, Posts and Telecommunications is committed to establishing a legal framework contributing to good governance of the digital sector. New legislative and regulatory reforms have been adopted by the Council of Ministers to modernize this sector, which constitutes a strategic lever for socio-economic development for the Great Island. Among these, Law No. 2014-006 of July 17, 2014 on combating cybercrime has been revised to improve the effectiveness of response to digital offenses. This legislative reform will strengthen the protection of citizens, businesses and public administration against cyber threats, while consolidating confidence in digital services and the economy. Furthermore, the draft law on electronic communications and digital infrastructure was adopted at a recent Council of Ministers held at the Iavoloha State Palace. The legal framework governing these domains, dating from 2005, has become obsolete due to rapid technological evolution and digital communications over the past twenty years. It was therefore essential to undertake reform to adapt it to current realities while preparing for the future.
Protecting Investments
This new reform aims, among other things, at eliminating monopolies, establishing fair competition and free pricing of services. Efforts are also being deployed by the supervising ministry to adapt sanctions regimes applicable to operators in the electronic communications sector. This sector includes, among others, traditional telephony, Internet, mobile networks (4G/5G), fiber optics and all digital data. The objective is to protect investments, guarantee transparency and facilitate digital access within everyone's reach, both in urban and remote areas, while establishing national sovereignty in the digital domain. Expected economic benefits from this reform include increased state revenues from the digital sector, as well as the provision of better quality services at affordable prices. Harmonization of the telecommunications sector as a whole remains a priority.
International Governance
Moreover, Madagascar's accession to the International Organization for Cooperation on Artificial Intelligence (WAICO) was approved by the Council of Ministers. The country fully participated in the creation of this international organization at a meeting held in Shanghai on July 16 and 17. Full participation in international governance of artificial intelligence, strengthening cooperation with member countries and consolidating the digital development strategy constitute the main advantages the country can derive from it. In the same vein, the request for authorization to sign the United Nations Convention on Cybercrime, known as the "Hanoi Convention," was approved. This decision will consolidate Madagascar's commitment to cybersecurity and strengthen international cooperation in judicial and police matters to combat transnational crime. Protection of citizens and development of a secure, open and protected online space constitute other major benefits for the country, not forgetting the strengthening of national skills in digital investigations and electronic evidence management. Madagascar will also benefit from technical assistance, sharing of expertise and experiences, as well as progressive harmonization of the local legal framework with international standards.