Mali and AES States Sign Landmark Agreement on Cross-Border Frequency Coordination

In a significant step toward regional digital integration, the Minister of Communication, Digital Economy, and Administration Modernization of Mali, Alhamdou AG Ilyène, participated on November 21 in the signing of the Alliance of States of Sahel (AES) Agreement on Frequency Coordination. The ceremony, held at the Azalaï Hotel in Ouagadougou, brought together communication and digital ministers from Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Ghana as guest of honor, along with national regulatory authorities and technical experts.

The agreement establishes a long-awaited framework for coordinating radio-electric frequencies at borders, a strategic tool critical for harmonizing regional digital policies. Ministers and regulators emphasized that efficient spectrum management is essential for mobile communications, broadcasting, security services, and emerging technologies. By coordinating frequency use, the member states aim to prevent interference, improve service quality, and support ongoing digital transformation efforts across the region.

Developed over several months of technical collaboration, the agreement outlines the harmonization of parameters and coordination procedures, the creation of mechanisms for information exchange between national regulators, and the organization of regular meetings to resolve cross-border interference. It also provides a modernized framework to facilitate the deployment of new technologies and the growth of the regional digital market.

The signing concluded with a symbolic group photograph, reflecting the cohesion and determination of AES member states to advance digital integration. Stakeholders pledged to implement the agreement in the coming months, ensuring reliable, modern, and secure communication services for the people of the Sahel.