Egypt and Mali have discussed strengthening cooperation in digital transformation, information technology and digital skills development following a meeting between the two countries’ communications ministers on September 27, 2026.
The meeting brought together Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology and Mali’s Minister of Communications, Digital Economy and Information Technology, Hamdo Aguilian, alongside senior officials from both countries.
Discussions focused on potential cooperation in digital infrastructure, including fibre-optic networks and mobile connectivity. Mali expressed interest in Egypt’s experience developing fibre infrastructure and expanding high-speed internet access.
Egypt highlighted work under the Hayat Karima initiative, including the deployment of high-speed fibre-optic services intended to reach 60 million citizens. The two sides discussed sharing implementation experiences, technical expertise and development approaches.
Digital skills development was also identified as an area for collaboration. Egypt presented training opportunities offered through the African Center for Training in Communication and Information Technologies, which provides capacity-building programmes for professionals from across Africa.
The discussions also covered artificial intelligence, particularly the development of AI applications for government services. Egypt presented its national AI strategy and the work of its Applied Innovation Center in developing technology solutions aimed at addressing societal challenges.
Mali also expressed interest in Egypt’s experience developing digital platforms and citizen-focused digital services. The discussions explored how digital infrastructure and government platforms could support modern public administration and expand digital government services.
The two countries are expected to hold further technical discussions to identify specific areas of cooperation, including digital infrastructure, AI, digital platforms, knowledge exchange and capacity building.
