Russia has emerged as a significant technological ally in Africa, assisting numerous countries in satellite design. Mali, harboring similar ambitions, has also sought Russia's expertise.

Mali and Russia are collaborating on several imminent projects, including the launch of a telecommunications satellite and the use of Russian spacecraft for monitoring Malian territory, according to a recent announcement. A Malian delegation, led by Finance Minister Alousséni Sanou, visited Moscow to discuss the action plan for these initiatives.

“We need four years to build and then launch the satellite. To achieve this, Mali needs to equip itself with specialists in all fields. We have agreed on a training program for ten students a year for four years in specialized fields relating to satellites… There is also a question of sending a series of specialists to deepen knowledge and acquire expertise in aerospace activities,” Sanou stated.

These initiatives are part of a memorandum of understanding signed last year between the Malian government and Glavkosmos, a subsidiary of the Russian Space Agency (Roscosmos). In addition to aiding Mali in the production of its satellite, the agreement stipulates that a Russian satellite will be made available to the country to meet needs in security, telecommunications, and other sectors that promote national development.

Bamako will also utilize satellite images to gain a precise understanding of the human impact on the environment. These images will assist leaders in better tracking and neutralizing terrorists. This initiative follows the recent liberation of the Kidal region, which had been plagued by terrorism for approximately a decade.

Samira Njoya