Guinea and Mali have agreed to interconnect their respective fiber optic networks, aiming to bolster their national infrastructures. Currently, Guinea relies on a single international submarine fiber optic cable for its connectivity, while landlocked Mali depends on connections with its coastal neighbors for international access.
The agreement, signed between Guinea's National Backbone Management and Operation Company (SOGEB) and Mali's Transmission and Broadcasting Company (SMTD), was formalized during Mali's Digital Week from June 25 to 27. The partnership reflects both countries' commitment to enhancing their ICT infrastructures, crucial amid recurrent Internet disruptions caused by international link failures.
"By interconnecting fiber optics between Guinea and Mali, we not only reduce connection costs but also enhance international communication security, creating a more resilient and redundant network," explained Guinea's Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy in a statement.
This initiative is expected to improve the quality and coverage of connectivity services in both countries. Guinea currently boasts 14.1 million mobile phone subscribers with a penetration rate of 102.6%, and 7.7 million Internet subscribers, covering 56.27% of the population. In Mali, there are 26.2 million mobile subscribers (penetration rate of 119% in 2022) and 13.3 million Internet subscribers (60% penetration rate).
• Inflation within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) fell to a two-year low of 0....
Flutterwave gained a BCEAO license to operate in Senegal, expanding to 35 African countries. ...
In Africa, the private sector is widely seen as the main engine of industrialization and plays a cen...
President Paul Biya, 92, to seek eighth term in October 2025 election In power since 19...
• Interbank volumes rose 18.7% in May, while rates declined across the market• The BCEAO cut its mai...
Highlights: • New 1% US tax on outbound remittances to take effect January 1, 2026• Africa received $100 billion in remittances in 2023, outpacing...
Highlights: • Kobold Metals signed an agreement in principle with the DRC government on July 17, 2025.• The deal includes the Manono lithium project,...
Highlights: • Global cocoa processing down across all major regions in Q2 2025• ECA: Europe’s grindings at lowest since 2020, Asia at lowest since...
Highlights: • Egypt targets 42% renewable energy share by 2030.• POWERCHINA to build 130-km high-voltage line signed on June 25.• National grid expansion...
Ashenda is a vibrant traditional festival celebrated primarily in northern Ethiopia, particularly among the Tigray and Amhara communities, as well as in...
The Emerald Sea is a vast turquoise lagoon located in the northern part of Madagascar, just a few kilometers from the town of Antsiranana (formerly Diego...