Launch of the Third Edition of Digital Week in Mali

Bamako, January 2026 Minister of Communication, Digital Economy, and Administrative Modernization, Alhamdou Ag Ilyène, held a press conference to officially launch the third edition of Digital Week, now scheduled for January 29-31, 2026 due to a busy institutional agenda. This edition focuses on the theme: “E-Government in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges for Culture”, highlighting the Malian authorities’ commitment to digital technology as a strategic lever for sovereignty, administrative modernization, and resilience. The minister emphasized that artificial intelligence is crucial for transforming public services and cultural industries, and that digital technology is now an essential pillar of public performance and citizen inclusion. Burkina Faso and Niger will participate as guest countries of honor, under the framework of the Confederation of Sahel States, promoting harmonization of digital policies, e-government strategies, and exchange on AI, cybersecurity, and digital identity. The program includes a ministerial roundtable, thematic discussions on AI, digital public services, artistic creation, ICT financing, and digital identity, and a national digital innovation competition showcasing startups, project leaders, and public services. The minister called on youth, innovators, and the private sector to make this edition a moment of collective mobilization to build a sovereign, inclusive, and forward-looking digital Mali.