Mali's transitional president inaugurated an artificial intelligence and robotics centre in the Kati-Sirakoro Niare area near Bamako on Monday evening, on the eve of celebrations marking the 66th anniversary of the country's independence.
Speaking at the inauguration, President Assimi Goita said the project was an essential step towards consolidating national technological sovereignty and continuing the work begun by the pioneers of independence.
Goita said Mali now had people with the skills to compete internationally. He said the centre had been built through national effort and expertise, with contributions from local Malian companies.
He said the centre aimed to develop innovative solutions to the country's challenges, particularly in agriculture, health, security and mining, while supporting technological independence and strengthening national capabilities in advanced digital fields.
Goita described the centre as a beacon of hope for Mali. He praised young Malians' growing interest in technology, which he said was a key factor in achieving the country's ambitions for national sovereignty.
The transitional president laid the centre's foundation stone on 7 June 2023. The construction cost announced when work began was approximately 3.3 billion CFA francs, equivalent to more than five million euros.
Under a legal order issued on 4 August 2023, the centre is classified as a public scientific and technological institution. Its responsibilities include initial and continuing training, scientific research, developing partnerships, and designing solutions based on artificial intelligence and robotics.
