Mali's digital economy in 2026: cybersecurity, startups and funding
What Mali's government decided for the digital sector in 2026, according to the Council of Ministers statements: national cybersecurity strategy 2026-2030, National Information Systems Security Agency, Digital Week, WAEMU ICT Fund, diaspora skills platform.
For a digital startup or SME based in Bamako, 2026 brought a new framework: a national cybersecurity strategy, an agency to carry it out and regular meetings with the administration. Here is what the official Council of Ministers statements say.
Key points (statements checked on 18 October 2026)
- National cybersecurity strategy and 2026-2030 action plan approved by decree no. 2026-0097/PT-RM of 25 February 2026.
- Creation of the National Information Systems Security Agency (texts adopted on 10 June 2026).
- Two Digital Weeks in Bamako in 2026, the 4th (29 June to 3 July) aimed at ICT SMEs and startups.
- Possible funding for Malian digital projects through the WAEMU ICT Fund.
A cybersecurity strategy for 2026-2030
The Council of Ministers of 16 January 2026 adopted Mali's National Cybersecurity Strategy and its 2026-2030 action plan, then approved by decree no. 2026-0097/PT-RM of 25 February 2026. It aims to ensure "a secure cyberspace that contributes effectively to the country's digital transformation goals", by improving cybersecurity governance, building a cybersecurity culture and protecting against digital risks.
The strategy called for an agency to coordinate the response to cyberattacks. That is now done: on 10 June 2026 the Council adopted the texts creating the National Information Systems Security Agency (Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d'information), responsible for cybersecurity, the security of information systems and electronic communications, and protecting critical infrastructure and services.
For a business, this is both a constraint and a market: operators of critical services will have to raise their security level, and providers of cybersecurity, audit and hosting will have a public counterpart.
Digital Week, the ecosystem's meeting point
Organised by the Ministry of Communication, Digital Economy and Modernisation of the Administration, Digital Week (Semaine du Numérique) was held twice in Bamako in 2026:
| Edition | Dates | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd | 29 to 31 January 2026 | "E-government in the age of Artificial Intelligence: opportunities and challenges for Culture" |
| 4th | 29 June to 3 July 2026 | "Mali's digital ecosystem: state of play, stakes and prospects for a successful digital transformation" |
The 4th edition set aims directly useful to entrepreneurs: support SMEs, ICT startups and administrations by promoting digitalisation solutions, explain who does what in the ICT sector, and build a network of players to encourage collaboration and investment. The 3rd edition brought together the digital ministers of Burkina Faso and Niger, Mali's AES partners.
Funding and networks
- WAEMU ICT Fund: at the 4th WAEMU Digital Economy Professionals Fair (Ouagadougou, 14 and 15 July 2026), the Malian delegation identified "funding opportunities for Malian digital projects under the ICT Fund" of the Union. The fair adopted an "Ouagadougou Declaration" recommending that digital be placed at the heart of national strategies.
- Diaspora: the Ministry of Malians Abroad launched on 22 August 2026 a digital directory of diaspora skills (malidiaspora.org), useful for recruiting Malian technical profiles abroad.
- Upcoming events: the AES International Entrepreneurship Fair (18 to 21 November 2026) and the Mali Kura Forum (11 and 12 December 2026).
To start a digital business
- Starting a business at the API-Mali one-stop shop
- Business taxation and the Investment Code
- Licensed banks and mobile money for payments
- SIM cards and mobile internet in Bamako for connectivity
- Electricity prices, a key cost for hosting and servers
Frequently asked questions
Does Mali have a cybersecurity strategy?
Yes: the National Cybersecurity Strategy and its 2026-2030 action plan, approved by decree no. 2026-0097/PT-RM of 25 February 2026.
Which agency handles cybersecurity in Mali?
The National Information Systems Security Agency, whose founding texts were adopted by the Council of Ministers on 10 June 2026.
Where can I meet Bamako's digital ecosystem?
At Digital Week, organised by the Ministry of Digital Economy: two editions in 2026, in January and from late June to early July.
Official sources (checked on 18 October 2026)
Council of Ministers statements published by the General Secretariat of the Government (French): 16 January 2026, 6 February 2026, 10 June 2026, 7 August 2026 and 18 September 2026.