Digital Governance in Mali: Navigating the Path Toward E-Government Digital Governance in Mali: Navigating the Path Toward E-Government In today’s hyper-connected world, digital platforms have become indispensable arenas for civic expression, social mobilization, and economic activity. From Facebook and WhatsApp to TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), these virtual spaces are reshaping public discourse and redefining how citizens engage with governance, commerce, and one another. But with this digital transformation come profound challenges—especially in nations like Mali, where balancing innovation with the protection of fundamental rights remains a delicate and urgent task. The Digital Landscape in Mali: Opportunities and Risks Across Mali, just as in many parts of the world, social media and digital platforms now structure public debate. They offer unprecedented opportunities for free expression and civic participation. Yet, they also present serious risks: the spread of misinformation, hate speech, and incitements to violence; threats to personal data and privacy; and the potential for state overreach in the form of internet shutdowns or excessive content restrictions. How can a country like Mali harness the power of digital tools while safeguarding the rights of its citizens? This question lies at the heart of the nation’s ongoing efforts to build a resilient and rights-respecting digital governance framework. Existing Legal Frameworks and Their Limitations Mali is not starting from scratch. The country has adopted key legislative instruments aimed at regulating the digital sphere. These include the 2019 cybercrime law, which criminalizes offenses such as hacking and certain online infractions, and the 2013 personal data protection law, which provides for the establishment of an independent authority—the Personal Data Protection Authority (APDP)—tasked with upholding data-related rights. However, as experts and officials acknowledge, the implementation of these laws remains hampered by institutional constraints, insufficient funding, and limited public awareness—particularly in rural areas. Moreover, the regulation of global tech giants largely remains beyond the reach of national authorities, leaving Malian users vulnerable to content and data policies set in distant corporate headquarters. National Digital Economy Policy: A Work in Progress According to Abdoul Kader Ky, an engineer specializing in network development and administration who serves as Director of the Digital Economy, Mali has a National Digital Economy Development Policy, complete with an action plan known as “Digital Mali 2020.” Adopted in 2015 and approved the following year, this roadmap is now being updated. “We currently have a five-year plan, Digital Mali 2020, which is in force,” Ky explains. “A new national digital economy development policy document was validated in October 2024, and we are awaiting its adoption. This policy is structured around several key pillars: infrastructure, content development—what we call digitalization—human capital, regulation, and digital trust or data security.” Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword There is no denying that social networks have become privileged spaces for political debate and citizen criticism in Mali. But the very openness that makes them valuable also makes them volatile. The proliferation of disinformation and hate speech is one clear danger. On the other hand, there is the risk that authorities may respond with heavy-handed measures—such as internet blackouts—that undermine freedom of expression and access to information. Compounding these challenges is the fact that most data belonging to Malian users is stored overseas, beyond the jurisdiction and oversight of the state. Strengthening the APDP—both technically and legally—has thus emerged as an urgent priority. Digital Sovereignty and Infrastructure Dependence Mali, like many African nations, depends heavily on foreign entities—from global tech titans (often referred to as GAFAM) to international telecom operators—for its digital infrastructure and services. This reliance raises critical questions about sovereignty and the state’s capacity to set its own rules and standards. Niama Loua Bereté, a state-certified computer engineer and ICT law expert, highlights one of the central pillars of digital governance in Mali: “One of the key axes is user access to digital services, and the promotion of administrative digitalization to improve public service delivery.” She adds that this national strategy has been significantly reshaped since the transitional president’s announcement in Sikasso in June 2024, which launched an accelerated drive to digitize state payment systems. Beyond Regulation: The Role of Digital Literacy Effective digital governance cannot be achieved through laws and regulations alone. It also requires a concerted effort to foster digital citizenship—equipping users with the critical thinking skills needed to navigate online spaces safely and to protect their own rights. Integrating digital literacy into school curricula, launching public awareness campaigns focused on identifying misinformation, and building the capacity of journalists and civil society actors are all essential components of this effort. Charting a Path Forward: Key Recommendations So, what would a balanced, forward-looking digital governance framework look like for Mali? Experts point to several critical steps: 1. Modernize Legal Frameworks Updating existing laws to reflect the realities of the digital age—drawing inspiration from international standards such as the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA) and African Union directives—is essential. 2. Empower Regulatory Bodies The APDP must be granted genuine autonomy and the resources needed to hold operators accountable. One promising model is the creation of an inter-institutional mechanism that brings together the APDP, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (AMRTP), and other relevant stakeholders—similar to the coordination seen among regulatory bodies in Europe. 3. Promote Platform Accountability Large platforms should be required to improve content moderation in local languages and to establish accessible grievance mechanisms for Malian users. Transparency and accountability must be non-negotiable. 4. Safeguard Free Expression Any content removal or access restriction should follow clear, proportionate procedures overseen by the judiciary—a crucial safeguard against authoritarian overreach. The E-Government Vision: Challenges on the Ground For Abdoul Kader Ky, achieving e-government in Mali depends on overcoming several structural hurdles. “E-government also implies a paperless administration,” he notes. “Only when we have effectively and fully implemented this digital transformation can we truly speak of e-government and e-governance.” The challenges, he explains, are both physical and human. Mali must develop digital infrastructure from north to south, ensuring adequate territorial coverage through fiber optics, wireless transmission, or satellite networks. Universal access is the goal—but it remains elusive in underserved, remote, or conflict-affected areas. Security is another major concern. “With all the acts of vandalism we see on transmission networks—cut cables, destroyed antennas—it’s clear that insecure zones face immense obstacles,” Ky says. “We also have very limited local expertise. We need to build a human capital base capable of developing, deploying, and maintaining these technologies so that this transformation becomes a reality in the coming decades.” He also highlights the ongoing development of a national cybersecurity strategy, which will emphasize awareness-raising about the misuse of ICTs and seek to prevent the harms associated with technological tools. “When it comes to regulation,” Ky acknowledges, “legal and regulatory texts will always have shortcomings.” The Imperative of Regional Cooperation Mali cannot confront global digital giants alone. The solution, many argue, lies in regional cooperation—particularly within frameworks such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, both of which have already begun work on digital governance and cybersecurity. A coordinated African strategy would amplify the continent’s voice in international negotiations and help advance a vision of the internet that is open, secure, and respectful of fundamental rights. At the Crossroads: A Citizen-Centered Digital Future Digital governance in Mali stands at a crossroads. On one hand, the explosive growth of platform use offers unprecedented opportunities for expression and economic development. On the other, it exposes citizens to new and evolving risks. The key to navigating this terrain lies in balanced public policy—one that protects fundamental rights without stifling innovation, and that places citizens, not platforms, at the center of regulatory efforts. As Mali continues its journey toward e-government and a more inclusive digital society, the choices made today will resonate for generations. By prioritizing transparency, accountability, and citizen empowerment, the nation can build a digital future that is not only technologically advanced, but also just and rights-respecting. Aminata Agaly Yattara This report is published with the support of Journalists for Human Rights (JDH) in Mali and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). Source: Mali Tribune
2025-10-01