Albania Inducts World’s First AI Minister

Albania has become the first country to induct an AI minister, not to be confused with a minister for artificial intelligence. The nation has unveiled Diella (meaning sun), a virtual minister made of code and pixels, who will oversee public procurement.

Launch by Prime Minister Edi Rama

On September 11, 2025, Prime Minister Edi Rama introduced Diella during the Socialist Party’s assembly in Tirana. She is the only non-human member of the Albanian government.

Role in Procurement and Anti-Corruption

Diella has been appointed to evaluate and award all public tenders, where government contracts are given to private firms. The move is aimed at reducing corruption in government spending, a long-standing issue in Albania’s public administration.

Already Serving Citizens Online

Before her ministerial induction, Diella was launched in January 2025 as an AI-powered virtual assistant on the e-Albania platform. She helps citizens and businesses obtain state documents, issues digitally stamped certificates, and processes requests via voice commands.

Symbolism and Concerns

Presented in traditional Albanian attire, Diella symbolizes the blend of technology and heritage. While the initiative shows how AI can be efficiently deployed in governance, experts warn that security risks and system vulnerabilities could create major challenges.