A new trans-border digital link has been inaugurated between Mali and Senegal, connecting the national fiber optic networks of the two countries. The interconnection, which was completed on October 5, 2026, allows for the direct exchange of data between the Société malienne de transmission et de diffusion (SMTD-SA) and Sénégal Numérique SA. This development is expected to enhance the resilience of digital services in Mali and provide a new route for international traffic.
The interconnection was celebrated at the Kidira-Diboli border crossing, where the directors general of SMTD-SA and Sénégal Numérique SA, Cheick Oumar Traoré and Isidore Diouf, respectively, attended the ceremony. The link is part of the Réseau ouest-africain des backbones nationaux (ROA-BN), a regional initiative aimed at interconnecting the national backbone networks of West African countries. The ROA-BN includes countries such as Gambia, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Niger, Sierra Leone, and Senegal.
For Mali, a landlocked country, this interconnection provides a new route to international infrastructure accessible from Senegal. The link is connected to a system of undersea cables that pass through Cape Verde and Portugal, among other countries. According to Malian authorities, the interconnection will also enable the redirection of traffic in case of an incident on another corridor, reducing the risk of prolonged disruptions to digital services.
The SMTD-SA operates over 3,500 kilometers of fiber optic cable in Mali, and the interconnection with Senegal is expected to enhance the country's data transmission capacity. The link will benefit administrations, telecommunications operators, and internet service providers. The technical and commercial characteristics of the link, including its capacity, cost, and access conditions, have not been disclosed.
The interconnection is a significant step towards achieving the goals of the ROA-BN, which aims to create a robust and resilient digital infrastructure in West Africa. The initiative brings together several West African countries to interconnect their national backbone networks, enhancing regional cooperation and digital integration.
The interconnection agreement was signed during a regional workshop held on April 9-10, 2026, in Senegal. The agreement marks a significant milestone in the development of digital infrastructure in the region and demonstrates the commitment of Mali and Senegal to enhancing their digital cooperation.
The interconnection of the public fiber optic networks of Mali and Senegal has significant implications for the digital landscape in West Africa. It provides a new route for international traffic, enhances the resilience of digital services, and demonstrates the commitment of regional countries to digital cooperation and integration.
Key points
- The interconnection of Mali and Senegal's public fiber optic networks provides a new route for international traffic and enhances the resilience of digital services in the region.
