• Mali and Orange Mali plan a partnership to accelerate the digital transformation of universities.

• The initiative focuses on connectivity, e-learning, digital libraries and a virtual university project.

• The reform comes amid deep structural challenges, including low enrollment rates and more than 2 million out-of-school children.

The government of Malihas moved to deepen cooperation with Orange Malito accelerate the digital transformation of higher education.

Bouréma Kansaye, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, reaffirmed this objective during a meeting on March 13 with Leyti N’Diaye, the newly appointed chief executive of the telecom operator.

The discussions focused on four priority areas. The parties identified university connectivity, digital learning, digital libraries and the creation of a virtual university as key pillars. The virtual university project aims to “modernize and expand access to higher education in Mali,”according to the official government statement.

Bouréma Kansaye emphasized the strategic role of Orange Maliin the country’s digital development. He praised the quality of the existing partnership between the operator and the ministry.

Meanwhile, Leyti N’Diaye described his visit as an initial step to strengthen cooperation. Beyond formalities, the initiative aims to address structural gaps.

Improved connectivity, access to online resources and the development of distance learning aim to reduce limited access, outdated teaching methods and the mismatch between education and employment.

A Strategic Bet in a Fragile Education System

The initiative is taking shape in a context of significant structural weaknesses. The UNICEFestimates that more than 2 million children aged 5 to 17remain out of school in Mali.

The organization also reports that more than half of young people aged 15 to 24 are illiterate. Security challenges have worsened the situation.

Data from the national education statistics unit show that 2,036 schools were closed in June 2025, leaving about 610,800 children without access to education.

Higher education is also under pressure. Data from the Directorate General of Higher Education show that student enrollment in public institutions increased from 88,379 in 2019–2020to 147,855 in 2021–2022.

This increase represents growth of nearly 39% in two years. However, the system remains insufficiently inclusive. Women accounted for only 37.98% of studentsin 2021–2022.

The UNESCO estimates that gross enrollment in higher education remains among the lowest in Africa. The rate stood at 3% for womenand 6% for menin 2019, the latest available data.

By comparison, the rate reached 9% in sub-Saharan Africaand 42% globally in 2024. This gap underscores the scale of the challenge.

National education consultations held in January 2024 concluded that the system requires deep reform, particularly in teaching quality, technology integration and teacher training.

The partnership with Orange Mali could mark an initial step toward reform. However, authorities have not yet specified implementation details. Timelines, funding and operational frameworks remain undefined. The effectiveness of the initiative will depend on the formalization of concrete execution plans.

This article was initially published in French by Félicien Houindo Lokossou

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum