Mali to Launch Global Digital Platform for Enhanced Access to Diaspora Services

Mali is launching a national digital platform for its diaspora, enabling access to essential documents through diplomatic missions worldwide. Developed by Malian experts, this initiative aims to streamline services for both Malians and foreign visa applicants while aligning with regional mobility initiatives. The platform underscores the government’s digital transformation agenda alongside the recent introduction of a common biometric passport with Burkina Faso and Niger.

Mali is set to launch a national digital platform aimed at enhancing access to key documents for its diaspora. This platform will function across Mali’s diplomatic and consular missions globally, enabling citizens living abroad to obtain administrative, identity, and travel documents efficiently, as indicated by reports from Wearetech.africa.

Malian Foreign Affairs Minister Abdoulaye Diop emphasized this initiative as a pivotal advancement in modernizing administrative data and facilitating easier access to essential documents. He stated, “This initiative represents a significant step forward in modernizing and safeguarding administrative data while simplifying access to essential documents for our compatriots abroad.”

Developed entirely by Malian experts, the platform not only aims to enhance services for Malian nationals abroad but also assists foreigners seeking Mali visas. The Malian government is simultaneously pursuing a broader digital transformation strategy with plans to digitize all public services in the coming years. Reports confirm a partnership with Huawei for the installation of additional fiber optic cables and the establishment of a data center.

Moreover, this platform is designed to be compatible with Liptako Visa, a system that promotes regional mobility established by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Recently, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger introduced a common biometric passport, departing from the previous Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) passport.

The new unified passport reflects the transitional leadership within these countries that have adopted military governance. Lt Gen Assimi Goita, the transitional leader of Mali and AES Chairman, mentioned that while the new passports are being issued, the old ones will continue to remain valid until their expiration.

Although Chinese firm Emptech sought to collaborate with the Malian administration for document production, sources indicate that it was not involved in the passport issuance for the Sahel states. Additionally, the decision to withdraw from ECOWAS raises significant concerns for the West Africa Unique Identification for Regional Integration and Inclusion (WURI) project, intended to bolster socio-economic development through foundational IDs in six ECOWAS member states.

Mali’s upcoming digital platform represents a critical step toward enhancing document accessibility for its diaspora and improving overall administrative efficiency. This initiative is indicative of broader governmental efforts to digitize services and promote regional integration through new identity solutions. The collaboration with Huawei and the introduction of a common biometric passport highlight Mali’s commitment to modernizing its identity management infrastructure.

Original Source: www.biometricupdate.com