Cybercrime Threatens Financial Security in Mali as Country Struggles with Digital Development
Bamako, Mali - As the country continues to develop its digital infrastructure, cybercrime is increasingly becoming a major concern for financial security.
Challenges in Building a Secure Digital Ecosystem
According to the Digital Ecosystem Country Assessment (DECA), Mali has made significant strides in building out its connectivity infrastructure. However, political instability and conflict hinder further investment.
The assessment highlights several gaps in the country’s digital ecosystem:
- Lack of regulation in cybersecurity
- Interoperability issues
- Data protection concerns
- Limited open data availability
- Underdeveloped e-commerce sector
Government Efforts to Address Cybersecurity Concerns
Despite these challenges, the government has taken steps to address cybercrime threats. Over 3,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable have been laid, computers and satellite connections have been deployed to schools, and villages are being prioritized for future deployment.
However, mobile network operators and the government face significant obstacles due to political turmoil, which has slowed legislative momentum and violence that hinders construction of new connections and keeps deployment costs high.
The Need for Digital Inclusion
The assessment also highlights the need for digital inclusion, as less than one-third of adults in Mali can read and write. Voice communication tools are popular but not yet inclusive. To address this issue:
- Investing in locally relevant and accessible content
- Promoting digital literacy
- Broadening voice-based options to account for Mali’s linguistic diversity
The Importance of a Comprehensive Framework for the Digital Economy
Domestic e-commerce and cross-border e-commerce between businesses and consumers are insignificant due to low public trust in digital financial and e-commerce services. To address this issue:
- Supporting the adoption of a new comprehensive framework for the digital economy through multi-stakeholder coordination
Countering Disinformation and Cybercrime
Cybercrime law No. 2019-056 is currently in place, but there is still a need for better tools to counter disinformation. Insurgent groups are accelerating their use of social media to disseminate propaganda and target new recruits.
To address this issue:
- Empowering civil society organizations, media, and citizens to counter disinformation through partnerships with major digital rights and freedom CSOs
Conclusion
The Mali DECA assessment provides a comprehensive overview of the country’s digital ecosystem. It is essential for policymakers, stakeholders, and international partners to address these concerns and work towards building a secure and inclusive digital economy in Mali.
By addressing these challenges, the country can ensure that its digital development is secure, sustainable, and beneficial for all citizens.