The Société malienne de transmission et de diffusion (SMTD-SA) and Sénégal Numérique-SA have inaugurated the interconnection of their national backbones in the border towns of Kidira and Diboli. This marks a significant step towards building a more connected and resilient regional digital network. The ceremony was attended by officials from both companies, administrative authorities, and representatives from Malian and Senegalese administrations.
The new fiber-optic link enables direct data transmission between the two countries, strengthening transmission capacities and improving the quality and availability of digital services. This infrastructure also offers more opportunities for telecommunications operators, digital service providers, and tech companies. Users can expect benefits in areas such as e-commerce, digital financial services, online administration, education, research, and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Cheick Oumar Traoré, director general of SMTD-SA and president of the Réseau ouest-africain des Backbones (ROA-BN), emphasized that this interconnection goes beyond a technical achievement. It aims to bring the two countries closer, facilitate exchanges, and enhance their digital sovereignty. The ROA-BN envisions a progressively denser network of interconnections between West African countries.
The interconnection provides an additional route for data traffic, enhancing the resilience of communications. In the event of disruptions on one axis, the diversification of transmission routes becomes an asset in maintaining essential services. This new link aligns with the ROA-BN's vision of creating an interconnected, resilient, secure, accessible, and sovereign African digital space.
The launch of this fiber-optic link has significant implications for the region. It is expected to reduce data transmission costs through infrastructure sharing and optimization. The interconnection also underscores the importance of cooperation and collaboration between countries in the region to achieve a more robust and resilient digital network.
The ROA-BN president called for continued efforts to develop data transport infrastructure, enhance digital skills, and foster partnerships between public and private actors. The goal is to create an African digital space that is interconnected, resilient, secure, accessible, and sovereign. The new link between Mali and Senegal is a step towards achieving this vision.
The inauguration of the fiber-optic link between Mali and Senegal marks a new era of cooperation and digital integration in the region. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the economies and societies of both countries, enhancing digital services, promoting economic growth, and improving the overall quality of life for citizens.
Key points
- The interconnection of Mali and Senegal's national backbones enhances regional connectivity and digital services.
- The project aims to bring the two countries closer, facilitate exchanges, and enhance their digital sovereignty.
- The ROA-BN envisions a progressively denser network of interconnections between West African countries.
