Introduction
Despite its technological delay, Mali has the opportunity to catch up thanks to artificial intelligence (AI) which presents itself as a powerful engine capable of propelling the country towards digital development.
The recent AI revolution, embodied by models such as ChatGPT, has reignited debate on the subject and its potential impact on developing countries. According to the latest United Nations e-Government Survey ranking for e-government, Mali is 181st out of 193 ranked countries, a gap that can be made up by capitalizing on progress in the AI field. Furthermore, Mali ranks 32nd in Africa and 157th in the world according to the Ranking of African countries ready to introduce artificial intelligence established by Oxford Insights. This ranking highlights the scale of the work to be done in the field of AI in the country.
Challenges to overcome
Experts agree that the major challenge for developing countries does not lie in the production of AI-based applications, an area in which the United States and China, through GAFAM and BATX, have a considerable advance, but rather in their integration at all levels of services such as education, health, security, agriculture, culture, etc. It is therefore crucial for these countries to provide themselves with the means to deploy these tools and train their staff in their use, to achieve the same level of quality of service as developed countries.
Overcoming resistance to change
Mali has not yet fully exploited the potential of its digital economy, although digital solutions have been deployed and some start-ups have been supported. However, digitalization within administrations and businesses remains limited.
The document entitled ” National Strategy for the Development of the Digital Economy ” states that the two reasons for digital shyness in the country are ignorance of the usefulness of ICT and resistance to change.
To overcome resistance to change in AI in Mali, it is essential to raise awareness among relevant stakeholders, strengthen skills and foster partnerships. By implementing the measures mentioned above, Mali can gradually move towards a successful digital transition and create a favorable environment for the adoption of AI.
Addressing infrastructure challenges
In terms of implementing AI, for countries like Mali, there remains a lot to do, namely the supply of electricity in sufficient quantity and continuously, access to high-speed Internet, and the exorbitant cost of equipment. Mali is a country facing many economic and social challenges. Allocating financial resources to AI tools can be problematic when other basic needs, such as health, education and road infrastructure also require investment. The country can therefore adopt a progressive approach by starting with smaller projects and establishing partnerships with international institutions, research organizations and companies specializing in this field.
Conclusion
The adoption of artificial intelligence in Mali faces several challenges, including budgetary constraints, limited resources, insufficient technological infrastructure and socio-economic issues. However, the country can benefit from ready-to-use solutions, thus reducing costs and technical constraints. By positioning themselves as a good consumer, they can focus on their national priorities while strengthening their skills and know-how in this area.
