Egypt, Mali Discuss Digital Infrastructure Cooperation

Egypt and Mali are exploring closer cooperation in digital transformation, infrastructure, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital skills development following a meeting between their communications ministers.

The discussions, held on September 27, 2026, brought together Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology and Mali’s Minister of Communications, Digital Economy and Information Technology, Hamdo Aguilian, alongside officials from both countries.

Digital infrastructure was among the main areas discussed, with Mali expressing interest in Egypt’s experience in deploying fibre-optic networks and expanding high-speed connectivity.

Egypt highlighted infrastructure work carried out under its Hayat Karima initiative, including the deployment of fibre-optic services intended to extend high-speed connectivity to 60 million citizens. The two sides discussed sharing technical expertise, implementation approaches and experience from the project.

Digital skills development was another area identified for potential cooperation. Egypt presented training opportunities available through the African Center for Training in Communication and Information Technologies (EG-ATRC), which provides programmes for professionals from across Africa.

The meeting also covered potential collaboration in artificial intelligence, particularly the use of AI in government services. Egypt outlined its national AI strategy and the work of its Applied Innovation Center, which develops technology applications targeting public and societal challenges.

Mali also expressed interest in Egypt’s experience with digital government platforms and citizen-facing services. The discussions included how digital infrastructure and government platforms could be used to modernise public administration and expand access to digital services.

The two countries are expected to hold further technical discussions to identify specific areas for collaboration, including digital infrastructure, AI, digital government platforms, knowledge exchange and skills development.

Officials from Mali’s communications and technology agencies, as well as Egypt’s National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, also participated in the meeting.