Albania Makes History with World’s First AI Minister ‘Diella’ to Lead Anti-Corruption Drive

Albania has become the first country in the world to appoint an artificial intelligence–generated government minister, unveiling a bold digital experiment in the fight against corruption.

Prime Minister Edi Rama this week introduced Diella, a virtual assistant powered by AI, as the nation’s new overseer of public tenders and state contracts. “Diella is the first [government] member who is not physically present but virtually created by artificial intelligence,” Rama told members of his Socialist Party.

Originally launched in January as a digital guide on Albania’s e-government portal, Diella has now been elevated to cabinet rank. Her new role is highly significant: she is responsible for managing billions in public procurement, a sector long plagued by corruption. The AI minister, whose name means “sun” in Albanian, appears in traditional attire, responds to voice commands, and issues electronically stamped documents. Crucially, her mandate is to ensure that every tender decision is “100% corruption-free and transparent.”

Public procurement reform is central to Albania’s campaign for European Union membership. By introducing Diella, Rama is betting that algorithms can deliver what human ministers have struggled to achieve: clean, transparent governance. Supporters say automation will eliminate bribes, favouritism, and hidden deals, while digital systems will make every contract traceable and decisions faster.

The unprecedented appointment positions Albania as a global pioneer in digital governance. Yet critics caution that artificial intelligence is only as reliable as the data and rules it is built upon. Concerns over bias, accountability, and the risk of cyber manipulation remain. Transparency advocates, however, note that algorithms are at least less prone to demanding kickbacks.

The question now is whether Albania’s “AI minister” is a historic breakthrough or a symbolic gimmick. If Diella proves effective, the model could inspire governments worldwide to adopt AI-driven oversight in public procurement. If she fails, it could fuel scepticism about AI’s role in policymaking.

Either way, Albania’s decision has already sparked international debate, placing the country at the centre of the conversation on how artificial intelligence might transform government accountability and the global fight against corruption.