On Friday, Mali initiated the digital transformation of payments and public services.
President Assimi Goita chaired the official ceremony launching the digitalization of means of payment and public services of the state.
The digitalization of payments and public services will allow Malian citizens to carry out their administrative procedures online, pay their taxes electronically, and access a wide range of dematerialized public services.
However, it will have a broader impact beyond enhancing public services. Digitalization will also contribute to combating corruption through the establishment of traceability and accountability measures. Furthermore, it would facilitate financial and social inclusion by allowing a greater number of Malians to access essential services and participate fully in the economic life of the nation.
African countries are increasingly introducing digital technologies into government services. In early July, the Kenyan government also revealed its plan to digitize public services, with the goal of making 80% accessible online via the eCitizen platform. This effort highlights the importance of government and private sector collaboration to improve digital literacy and ensure online safety for citizens.
Furthermore, in May, Ghana's Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia said that his country would become Africa's first blockchain-powered government to fight corruption as the technology can monitor and identify alterations in digital data, enabling the tracking of governmental transactions.