03 February 2026
During the third edition of Digital Week in Mali, Minister of Communication, Digital Economy, and Administration Modernization, Mr. Alhamdou Ag Ilyène, officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art Tier III Data Center on January 31, 2026. 
The event was attended by digital ministers from the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), including Mrs. Aminata Zerbo/Sabane of Burkina Faso and Mr. Adji Ali Salatou of Niger, underscoring the regional importance of this strategic infrastructure.
Presented by Infrastructure Manager Mr. Cheick Oumar Traoré, the new data center adheres to the highest international standards, offering a service availability of 99.982%, with full redundancy of critical equipment to ensure uninterrupted operations even during maintenance. It is designed to securely host vital government data, operate electronic administration platforms, support public digital services, and serve as a mutualized digital infrastructure for AES member states in the near future.
Technically, the facility enables sovereign hosting of government databases and critical applications, reducing reliance on foreign infrastructure and extraterritorial cloud services. It aims to enhance the performance, resilience, and cybersecurity of public digital services, laying a foundation for expanding e-government initiatives, artificial intelligence, digital financial services, and regional digital platforms.
Beyond its technological significance, ministers emphasized the strategic importance of digital sovereignty as a core pillar of AES Heads of State’s vision, alongside security, defense, and economic independence. Controlling the hosting, processing, and safeguarding of national data allows member states to regain authority over public decisions, protect sensitive information, and foster a secure, resilient digital environment.
The inauguration of this Tier III Data Center marks a major milestone for the AES region, strengthening its digital infrastructure and making it more attractive to governments, businesses, startups, and technical partners. It creates a trusted environment that encourages innovation, investment, and sustainable digital transformation across the Sahel, supporting regional autonomy and development goals.
