KATI, MALI — Mali is investing $5.9 million in a homegrown technology talent initiative with an artificial intelligence and robotics facility in Kati. The Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics of Mali (CIAR-MALI) is set to train 40 students in artificial intelligence, robotics, and data science.
Built largely using local expertise, the centre is designed to develop skills with potential applications across agriculture, healthcare, and national industry. Students complete two years of foundational science before choosing a specialised pathway.
“There are three tracks. They can choose between three different tracks: artificial intelligence, robotics, and mechanical [engineering],” explained Daouda Traore, Head of Training at CIAR-MALI.
Student Tidjane Damba expressed ambition for the program’s practical impact: “I would like artificial intelligence to help me develop a project that is very close to my heart: autonomous networks, meaning networks that can configure themselves.”
Industry experts see the centre as an important step, but note that broader investment is needed to build a robust national AI ecosystem.
“Mali does not actually produce artificial intelligence at the national level. We are more focused on AI engineering,” stated Youssouf Sall, electronics engineer and founder of Sall Pro Global. “Mali therefore needs a large pool of skilled professionals who can carry out in-depth data analysis.
This is a first foundation that could eventually lead to the development of autonomous, homegrown Malian AI systems.”
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