Egypt and Mali are pursuing enhanced collaboration on digital transformation, focusing on infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI), and the development of digital skills. This initiative follows a meeting between officials from both countries, held on September 27, 2026.
Cooperation on Digital Infrastructure and Skills Development
The meeting featured Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology and Mali’s Minister of Communications, Digital Economy and Information Technology, Hamdo Aguilian, along with key officials. Central to their discussions was the potential for cooperation in digital infrastructure, highlighted by Mali’s interest in Egypt’s expertise in deploying fibre-optic networks and improving high-speed connectivity.
Egypt reported on its Hayat Karima initiative, designed to extend fibre-optic services and high-speed internet access to 60 million citizens. Both nations acknowledged the opportunity to share technical expertise and implementation strategies from this initiative.
The dialogue also encompassed the realm of digital skills development. Egypt showcased training programs available through the African Center for Training in Communication and Information Technologies (EG-ATRC), which serves professionals from across the continent.
Further collaboration on artificial intelligence applications was explored, particularly concerning their use in governmental services. Egypt detailed its national AI strategy and its Applied Innovation Center’s efforts in developing technological solutions to address public and societal challenges.
Mali expressed a keen interest in learning from Egypt’s experience with digital government platforms and citizen-oriented services. The discussions touched upon leveraging digital infrastructure to modernize public administration and enhance access to digital services.
Moving forward, both countries anticipate holding additional technical discussions to pinpoint specific collaborative areas. These include infrastructure development, AI initiatives, digital government services, knowledge exchange, and skills enhancement.
Officials from the respective communications and technology agencies, alongside representatives from Egypt’s National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, contributed to the meeting’s agenda.
Why It Matters
The pursuit of stronger digital ties between Egypt and Mali reflects a broader commitment to advancing digital capabilities across the African continent. By sharing knowledge and resources, both nations aim to leverage technology to improve public services and enhance connectivity, promoting economic growth and development.
