On September 21, Mali's transitional president, Assimi Goïta, officially opened the Centre d'intelligence artificielle et de robotique du Mali (Ciar-Mali) in Kati Sirakoro Niaré. The inauguration was attended by the Prime Minister, the President of the National Transition Council, and several other high-ranking officials. The event was also marked by a strong presence of local residents who came to welcome the head of state and his delegation.
The Ciar-Mali center was built entirely on the national budget and features state-of-the-art facilities, including administrative spaces, dormitories, a sports hall, a restaurant, a drone room, and technical rooms. The architect, Abdoulaye Arama, presented the infrastructure, highlighting its potential to drive development in the region. The center's director, Jacqueline Konaté Sogoba, recalled that the project began with the laying of the foundation stone in 2023.
During the inauguration ceremony, the Secretary General of the Kati municipality, Zanga Dao, praised the center as a new pillar of development for the commune and the country. The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Pr. Bouréma Kansaye, welcomed the project, saying it aligns with the vision of the transitional president. The center aims to provide rigorous and selective training, leveraging the expertise of Malian professionals both locally and in the diaspora.
President Goïta toured the center with the invited guests, highlighting the country's human resources, which he believes can compete internationally. He expressed gratitude to all parties involved in the project and emphasized the importance of maintaining the facility. The president also noted that the center was built by Malian companies, underscoring the country's capacity for self-sufficiency in technological development.
The Ciar-Mali center is expected to play a crucial role in addressing Mali's challenges through innovative solutions. President Goïta emphasized that the center embodies the aspirations of Mali's independence leaders and represents a significant step towards technological sovereignty. He encouraged the population to take ownership of the facility and ensure its proper maintenance.
In his address, President Goïta also extended his wishes for a happy celebration to the Malian people, while praying for the speedy recovery of the injured and the eternal rest of those who have lost their lives. The inauguration of the Ciar-Mali center is seen as a milestone in Mali's development, marking a new era of technological advancement and self-reliance.
The establishment of the Ciar-Mali center demonstrates Mali's commitment to harnessing artificial intelligence and robotics to drive growth and development. As the country celebrates its 66th anniversary of independence, the center stands as a symbol of its aspirations for a brighter future, driven by innovation and technological progress.
Key points
- The center was built entirely on the national budget and features state-of-the-art facilities.
- The center aims to provide rigorous and selective training, leveraging the expertise of Malian professionals.
- The center is expected to play a crucial role in addressing Mali's challenges through innovative solutions.
