By: Kanto
Kai Okanta
Egypt and Mali have
discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in information and communications
technology, with a focus on digital infrastructure, fibre-optic networks,
artificial intelligence, digital government services and capacity building.
Egyptian Minister of
Communications and Information Technology Raafat Hendy held discussions with
Mali’s Minister of Communication, Digital Economy and Modernisation of the
Administration, Alhamdou Ag Ilyene, in the presence of Mali’s Ambassador to
Egypt, Samba Alhamdou Baby.
The meeting explored
opportunities for Mali to benefit from Egyptian expertise and experience in
digital transformation, digital infrastructure, institutional development and
fibre-optic network deployment.
Hendy outlined Egypt’s
efforts to upgrade telecommunications infrastructure in rural villages under
the Decent Life initiative, including fibre-to-the-home projects expected to
benefit about 60 million people. He said the two countries could exchange expertise
and implementation plans for fibre-optic network deployment.
The Egyptian minister also
highlighted opportunities for digital capacity building through training
programmes offered by the Egyptian African Telecom Regulatory Training Center
(EG-ATRC) to African professionals throughout the year.
Hendy presented the main
pillars of Egypt’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and highlighted
the work of the Applied Innovation Center (AIC) in developing technology
solutions and applications aimed at addressing societal challenges and supporting
development.
For his part, Ilyene
affirmed Mali’s commitment to developing its digital infrastructure as a driver
of digital transformation and welcomed Egypt’s experience in the ICT sector. He
expressed interest in expanding cooperation and drawing on Egypt’s expertise in
digital transformation, infrastructure, institutional development and
fibre-optic network deployment.
The two ministers discussed
cooperation in developing digital infrastructure, including fibre-optic and
mobile networks, as well as connectivity for government institutions. They also
examined regional and international connectivity solutions that could support
the modernisation of Mali’s government administration and expand access to
digital government services.
Artificial intelligence was
another area of discussion, particularly its potential to improve government
services, support development and strengthen digital capabilities. The talks
considered how Egypt’s experience in AI could be applied to Mali’s needs.
The ministers agreed to
begin technical discussions on leveraging Egypt’s experience in developing
digital platforms and delivering services to citizens, alongside cooperation in
digital infrastructure, expertise sharing and capacity building.
The Malian delegation
included Technical Advisor for Telecommunications and ICT Hamidou Togo, General
Manager of the Malian Transmission and Broadcasting Company (SMTD) Cheick Oumar
Traore, Director of Radiocommunications at the Malian Authority for the Regulation
of Telecommunications, Information Technologies and Communication and Posts
(AMRTP) Siaka Coulibaly, and Director of Networks and Infrastructure at AMRTP
Mohamedan Sidi Nourié.
Representing Egypt were
Executive President of the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) Mohamed
Shamroukh, Head of the Central Department for Resources and Technical
Assistance and Acting Head of the Central Department for Technological Projects
and Outsourcing Saad Roshdy, Advisor to the ICT Minister on International
Relations Khaled Taha, and Head of the Central Department of International
Relations Samah Aziz.
