Mali Activates New Fiber-Optic Link With Senegal
The new cross-border connection at the Kidira-Diboli crossing strengthens Mali’s access to global internet networks.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Telecommunications
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Mali activated a new fiber-optic connection with Senegal on October 5, 2026, linking the national backbones of SMTD-SA and Senegal Numerique SA. This link at the Kidira-Diboli border crossing expands Mali’s international connectivity options.
Why it matters
The project reduces Mali's dependence on individual routes by providing alternative pathways to submarine cables via Portugal and Cape Verde. These redundancies help ensure stable internet access by mitigating the impact of technical failures.
Mali operates a 3,500-kilometer national fiber network that now utilizes 12 total international links. Despite this, 29 of the country’s 57 administrative districts and 130 of its 704 secondary towns currently lack connection to the national backbone.
The players
SMTD-SA
This is the state-owned telecommunications operator responsible for managing Mali's national fiber-optic backbone.
Senegal Numerique SA
This organization serves as the state-owned telecommunications entity in Senegal that partnered on the cross-border infrastructure.
The details
The infrastructure project connects the state-owned operators of both nations to facilitate improved global network access. By establishing this route, Mali enhances its digital resilience through diversified transit paths.
Timeline
The World Bank released its Digital Economy Diagnostic in 2023.
Mali activated the new fiber-optic link with Senegal on October 5, 2026.
The Tech Race
The activation follows the infrastructure needs highlighted by the World Bank Digital Economy Diagnostic in 2023. This project moves Mali toward closing the connectivity gap that currently leaves many districts disconnected from the national backbone.
Users in the region may experience improved network reliability and reduced downtime during technical outages. The expansion serves as a foundation for potentially faster and more stable internet access as the national backbone integrates these new routes.
The takeaway
Expanding cross-border fiber links is a critical strategy for landlocked nations to reduce reliance on single international exit points. Strengthening these backbones is a necessary precursor to improving digital services for underserved administrative districts.
Further reading
Learn more about global infrastructure developments in the Telecommunications section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ecofin Agency.
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