Bamako, July 31, 2026 — Digital transformation is rapidly reshaping exchanges across the Sahel. In Bamako, Niger is making its presence felt at the fourth edition of Mali’s Digital Week (SENUMA), which opened on July 28 and runs through August 1, 2026.
Under the theme « Digital ecosystem in Mali: current status, challenges, and prospects for successful digital transformation », the event brings together key players from government, private sector, and civil society to address the rapid changes sweeping through public administrations, businesses, and citizen services.
Niger’s strategic participation within the AES framework
Niger’s involvement is far from ceremonial. Within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), Niger and Mali are deepening their collaboration in digital technology—a domain now critical for state development and sovereignty. The discussions aim to align their digital strategies, fostering greater regional resilience and self-reliance.
A strong delegation across key digital sectors
Niger joins Burkina Faso as an honored guest at this year’s SENUMA. The delegation includes top institutions driving the country’s digital agenda: the Ministry of Communication and Digital Technology, the National Agency for the Information Society (ANSI), the Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP), Niger Post, and the Superior School of Electronic Communications and Postal Services (ESCEP-Niger).
This broad representation underscores a holistic approach to digital cooperation—spanning policy, regulation, education, infrastructure, and service delivery. By uniting these sectors, Niger is positioning itself to contribute meaningfully to regional digital innovation.
Sharing best practices in a challenging Sahelian context
The exchanges in Bamako provide a vital platform for Niger to benchmark its digital initiatives against those of Mali and other Sahelian partners. In a region facing economic, administrative, and security constraints, digital tools are emerging as powerful levers for modernization and service delivery.
Through panel discussions, workshops, and bilateral meetings, participants are identifying practical ways to harmonize digital practices, build technical capacity, and develop solutions tailored to the realities of AES member states. For Niger, this is also an opportunity to showcase its own progress while learning from regional peers.
Building a stronger digital future together
As the SENUMA 2026 draws to a close on August 1, the event highlights a growing momentum: the Sahel’s digital transformation is not just about technology—it’s about sovereignty, efficiency, and citizen empowerment. Niger’s active role reflects a shared vision among AES countries to use digital innovation as a foundation for resilient, self-sufficient governance.
