Mali: Survey on the use of ICT and postal services by the population

The government of Mali aims to stimulate the emergence of start-ups and modernize administration as part of its ambition for digital transformation. To achieve this, the executive branch must ensure access to electronic communications and postal services for the entire population.

The Malian Telecommunications, ICT, and Postal Regulation Authority (AMRTP) seeks to assess households’ and individuals’ access to ICT and postal services. The telecom regulator has issued a call for expressions of interest to consulting firms willing to assist in implementing the initiative. Applications are open until Wednesday, May 29th.

According to the AMRTP, the main objective of the study is to gather reliable statistical data to measure progress in the adoption and use of ICT and postal services by households and individuals in Mali. It will also evaluate the obstacles hindering the adoption of these services.

The initiative is part of the AMRTP’s mission to regulate the electronic communications and postal sectors. The regulator intends to use the study’s results to guide its policies and strategies for the development of ICT and postal services to reduce the digital divide in Mali.

The project aligns with the government’s ambition for digital transformation, aiming to create an ecosystem conducive to the emergence of start-ups, modernization of administration, and sustainable economic prosperity.

The executive branch is working on developing a national digital economy development policy for the period 2024-2028. In January of this year, it awarded the extension of the national fiber optic network to a Chinese company for $117.3 million.

As a reminder, Mali had 26.2 million mobile subscribers with a penetration rate of 119% in 2022, according to AMRTP data. The number of internet subscribers was 13.3 million with a penetration rate of 60%. However, the actual number of people connected is likely to be lower since some individuals possess multiple SIM cards.