BAMAKO, July 31, 2026 — Digital technology is increasingly forming the core of inter-state dialogue across the Sahel. In Bamako, Niger is actively participating in the fourth edition of Mali’s Digital Week (SENUMA), an event that commenced on July 28 and is scheduled to conclude on August 1, 2026.
This gathering, centered on the theme « The digital ecosystem in Mali: current situation, challenges, and prospects for a successful digital transformation », convenes a diverse array of stakeholders focused on the ongoing transformations impacting public administrations, private enterprises, and essential services for citizens.
Niger’s engagement transcends mere diplomatic courtesy. Within the framework of their collaboration under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), Niger and Mali are committed to aligning their experiences in a domain now deemed critical for national development and state sovereignty.
A comprehensive delegation from Niger
For this fourth edition, Niger holds the distinction of being an invited country of honor, alongside Burkina Faso. Its delegation comprises numerous entities directly involved in shaping the national digital policy.
Representatives from the Ministry of Communication and New Information Technologies, the National Agency for Information Society (ANSI), the Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP), Niger Poste, and the Advanced School of Electronic Communications and Post (ESCEP-Niger) are all present in Bamako.
This broad composition underscores a deliberate strategy to ensure that digital cooperation extends beyond traditional ministerial departments. Regulation, training, infrastructure, and digital services are thus brought together within a unified framework for exchange.
Sharing sahelian digital expertise
Throughout the proceedings, Niger’s participation presents a valuable opportunity to compare and contrast the experiences and methodologies developed across the region. In a Sahelian environment grappling with distinct economic, administrative, and security challenges, proficiency in digital tools is increasingly recognized as a vital catalyst for modernization.
Consequently, the discussions in Bamako acquire significant regional importance. They empower participants to explore strategies for harmonizing practices, strengthening competencies, and fostering solutions specifically tailored to the realities faced by AES member states.
For Niger, this presence also serves as a platform to showcase its own advancements and to benefit from the innovative initiatives being implemented in Mali and other participating countries.
Towards deeper digital collaboration
Mali’s Digital Week thus arrives at a critical juncture when Sahelian states are actively seeking to fortify their technological capabilities. Beyond mere discussions and networking, the objective remains tangible: to transform digital technology into a practical instrument benefiting administrations, businesses, and, most importantly, citizens.
In Bamako, Niger is poised to contribute significantly to this collective deliberation, driven by the ambition to strengthen regional exchanges and foster a digital transformation better attuned to the needs of its populations. The fourth edition of SENUMA, concluding on August 1, will have, over several days, firmly positioned digital innovation at the heart of an evolving Sahelian cooperation.
