The governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are taking concrete steps to enhance their cooperation in the fields of digital technology, postal services, and electronic communications. From November 3 to 5, 2026, experts from the three countries convened in Ouagadougou to finalize technical documents required for implementing activities outlined in the Second-Year Roadmap of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The meeting aims to transition from strategic orientations to tangible achievements.
The opening ceremony, co-chaired by the ministers responsible for digital affairs in the three countries, emphasized a shared commitment to advancing ongoing projects. Burkina Faso's Minister of Digital Transition, Posts, and Electronic Communications, Dr. Aminata Zerbo/Sabané, highlighted the importance of this meeting in operationalizing community commitments. She praised the mobilization of delegations from Mali and Niger and underscored the role of digital technology as a driver of integration and development in the Sahel region.
The experts' discussions focus on five key areas: interconnection and sharing of digital infrastructures, development of a regional hub for NGSO satellite operators, joint purchase of internet bandwidth capacity, establishment of a regional incident response mechanism, and modernization and integration of postal services. These areas are critical to achieving the AES's objectives. By the end of the three-day meeting, experts are expected to produce actionable documents, including draft agreements, conceptual notes, architectural diagrams, and execution timelines.
These documents will serve as the foundation for conventions to be signed on the sidelines of the Digital Week, scheduled from November 24 to 27, 2026, in Burkina Faso. Dr. Zerbo/Sabané urged participants to demonstrate rigor, creativity, and a spirit of fraternity in their deliberations, emphasizing the need for consensual and realistic proposals. The ultimate goal is to translate shared political will into operational agreements and measurable actions benefiting the populations of the AES.
Through this collaborative effort, the three countries aim to address common challenges, such as improving connectivity, reducing internet access costs, enhancing digital infrastructure protection, and bringing postal services closer to the people. The AES seeks to leverage digital technology as a catalyst for regional integration and development. By working together, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger can pool their resources and expertise to achieve greater impact.
The meeting in Ouagadougou reflects a broader strategy to strengthen cooperation among AES member states. By accelerating digital integration, the three countries can unlock new opportunities for economic growth, improve public services, and enhance the quality of life for their citizens. The agreements to be finalized will mark a significant milestone in this endeavor, demonstrating the commitment of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to regional cooperation and development.
As the experts conclude their deliberations, the focus shifts to implementing the agreed-upon actions and monitoring progress. The success of these initiatives will depend on effective collaboration, adequate resources, and a sustained commitment to regional integration. With a clear roadmap in place, the AES is poised to make tangible strides in promoting digital development and enhancing the well-being of its populations.
Key points
- Experts from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are finalizing technical documents to accelerate digital integration and cooperation in the Sahel region.
- The agreements aim to improve connectivity, reduce internet access costs, and enhance digital infrastructure protection.
- The digital integration agreements will be signed during the Digital Week in Burkina Faso from November 24 to 27, 2026.
