(Ecofin Agency) - Guinea and Mali have agreed to interconnect their respective fiber optic networks, aiming to bolster their national infrastructures. Currently, Guinea relies on a single international submarine fiber optic cable for its connectivity, while landlocked Mali depends on connections with its coastal neighbors for international access.

The agreement, signed between Guinea's National Backbone Management and Operation Company (SOGEB) and Mali's Transmission and Broadcasting Company (SMTD), was formalized during Mali's Digital Week from June 25 to 27. The partnership reflects both countries' commitment to enhancing their ICT infrastructures, crucial amid recurrent Internet disruptions caused by international link failures.

"By interconnecting fiber optics between Guinea and Mali, we not only reduce connection costs but also enhance international communication security, creating a more resilient and redundant network," explained Guinea's Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy in a statement.

This initiative is expected to improve the quality and coverage of connectivity services in both countries. Guinea currently boasts 14.1 million mobile phone subscribers with a penetration rate of 102.6%, and 7.7 million Internet subscribers, covering 56.27% of the population. In Mali, there are 26.2 million mobile subscribers (penetration rate of 119% in 2022) and 13.3 million Internet subscribers (60% penetration rate).