Mali has approved the creation of an annual National Artificial Intelligence Forum as part of a broader strategy to tackle rising youth unemployment and strengthen its technology sector. Led by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, the forum will bring together researchers, private companies, members of the scientific diaspora, and international partners each June to promote innovation in robotics and AI. It will include conferences, prototype exhibitions, and robotics competitions aimed at encouraging young talent and linking training with real industry needs. The initiative builds on the Centre d’Intelligence Artificielle et de Robotique du Mali, which serves as a national hub for advanced technology education and research. Despite progress in job creation, authorities acknowledge a persistent gap between prototype development and large-scale industrial production. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, Mali aims to turn digital skills into sustainable employment opportunities for its rapidly growing youth population.
Read more here
