Mali: A National Cybersecurity Strategy to accelerate digital transformation

Mali has placed digital transformation at the forefront of its socio-economic development agenda, with a strong emphasis on cybersecurity. To address growing challenges in this area, the government, through the Ministry of Communication, Digital Economy, and Administration Modernization, has announced plans to launch a national cybersecurity strategy by 2025.

This comprehensive plan aims to strengthen the governance of Mali’s cyber domain, safeguard critical infrastructures, and foster a culture of cybersecurity through public awareness, training, and research initiatives.

It also includes the establishment of robust security standards and enhanced international collaboration to tackle the increasing threat of cyberattacks.

The urgency of this initiative is underscored in the strategy document, which highlights the rapid evolution of cyber threats and the inadequacy of current regulatory frameworks.

For Mali, which aspires to emerge as a resilient and influential digital player, these measures are seen as vital.

However, challenges persist. According to the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Mali is ranked in Tier 4 out of 5, indicating a foundational level of cybersecurity readiness.

While the country scored relatively well in legislative measures (12.36/20), its performance lags in technical (4.56), organizational (2.9), capacity-building (0.79), and cooperation (8.87) domains.

The successful implementation of the national strategy will be key to bridging these gaps.

By establishing a robust cybersecurity framework, Mali could secure its digital landscape and harness technology as a driver of modernization, economic growth, and national progress.

Titi KEITA