Mali is initiating a national digital platform for its diaspora, allowing access to essential documents through diplomatic missions globally. Developed by Malian experts, this platform aims to enhance services for both citizens and visa applicants. The project aligns with Mali’s digital transformation strategy, including partnerships for infrastructure enhancements, and promotes collaboration within the Alliance of Sahel States through a shared visa system. Recently, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger launched a new biometric passport, further reflecting regional integration efforts while moving away from ECOWAS.
Mali is set to establish a national digital platform designed to improve access to crucial documents for its diaspora. This innovative platform will be accessible through Mali’s diplomatic and consular missions worldwide, enabling Malian nationals abroad to obtain administrative, identity, and travel documents efficiently.
According to Abdoulaye Diop, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, this initiative marks a pivotal advancement in modernizing administrative data management and facilitating access to vital documents for Malians living overseas.
The platform has been developed entirely by Malian experts and aims to enhance services for both Malian citizens abroad and foreigners seeking visas to Mali. As part of a larger digital transformation strategy, the government is dedicated to digitizing public services within a few years, collaborating with Huawei to install additional fiber optic cables and develop a new data center.
Minister Diop emphasized that the platform symbolizes the government’s commitment to creating a more effective and responsive administrative apparatus. It will also integrate seamlessly with the Liptako Visa program, promoting increased regional mobility through the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Recently, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger jointly introduced a new biometric passport, a product of their collective effort under AES, replacing the previous passports issued by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Lt Gen Assimi Goita, transitional leader of Mali, confirmed that existing passports will remain valid until their expiration.
Chinese company Emptech has previously sought to influence the Malian government’s document issuance processes; however, they were not involved in the production of the new passports for the aforementioned Sahel states. Additionally, the withdrawal from ECOWAS may affect a World Bank-supported regional identification project aimed at enhancing socio-economic growth and integration in West Africa.
In summary, Mali’s upcoming national digital platform is a significant stride toward improving document access for its diaspora. This initiative, spearheaded by local experts, aligns with Mali’s broader digital transformation efforts and bolsters regional cooperation through systems like Liptako Visa. The introduction of a new biometric passport further illustrates Mali’s commitment to modern governance, despite the implications of departing from ECOWAS.
Original Source: www.biometricupdate.com
