IN a significant move towards advancing digital connectivity, the government of Mali has reportedly granted a contract worth $117.3 million to the China International Telecommunication Construction Corporation (CITCC) to extend the country’s national fibre optic network. The decision, approved at a recent cabinet meeting, reflects Mali’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and accelerating its digital transformation ambitions.
Under the contract, CITCC is tasked with expanding Mali’s fibre network to key areas such as Mopti, Koro, Tombouctou, Gao, Ansongo, and Labenzaga. The project is slated to be completed within a two-year timeframe, according to reports from Ecofin Agency.
The Malian government envisions that this fibre optic project will not only bring broadband connectivity to currently unconnected regions but also enhance the quality and reduce the cost of internet services for those already enjoying broadband access.
Public figures from GSMA Intelligence indicate that Mali had 22.48 million cellular mobile connections at the beginning of 2023, covering approximately 98 percent of the population. However, DataReportal highlights that only 34.5 percent of people in Mali had internet connectivity during the same period.
The fibre expansion initiative is not only a critical step in addressing the digital divide but is also part of Mali’s broader digital transformation strategy. The goal is to create an ecosystem conducive to startups, modernise administration, and foster sustainable economic prosperity. Later this year, Mali is expected to release an official policy outlining its digital economy development plans for the next four years.
As the CITCC-led project unfolds, it is poised to significantly impact Mali’s digital landscape, bringing improved connectivity to underserved areas, reducing the cost of internet services, and contributing to the country’s overall economic and technological advancement.