Mali and Senegal Connect National Digital Backbones to Boost Regional Integration
The interconnection is expected to strengthen network resilience, improve service continuity and facilitate data exchanges between Mali and Senegal.
Mali’s Société Malienne de Transmission et de Diffusion (SMTD-SA) and Senegal Numérique (SENUM-SA) have inaugurated the interconnection of their respective national digital backbones, marking a step towards stronger digital integration in West Africa.
The inauguration took place on October 5, 2026, at the border between the two countries, bringing together institutional representatives, local authorities and technical teams to mark the launch of the cross-border connection.
The interconnection is expected to strengthen network resilience, improve service continuity and facilitate data exchanges between Mali and Senegal. It also reflects efforts by both countries to enhance cooperation in developing regional digital infrastructure.
The initiative is being driven by the West African Backbones Network (ROA-BN), chaired by Dr. Cheick Oumar Traoré, Director General of SMTD-SA. The project supports the broader ambition of building a more integrated and digitally connected West African region.
