China Eximbank provides RMB 276,800,000 government concessional loan for Fiber Optic and Telecommunications Modernization Project (Linked to Project ID # 36438)

On February 28, 2011, China Eximbank and the Government of Mali signed an RMB 276,800,000 government concessional loan (GCL) agreement for the Fiber Optic and Telecommunications Modernization Project. The National Assembly ratified the loan agreement on June 30, 2011 (Law No. 2011-044 / of July 26, 2011) after its adoption by the Council of Ministers on May 18, 2011 (decree No. 2011-472 / P- RM of July 29, 2011). This project involves the establishment of a fiber optic network in Bamako that connects with around thirty public administration sites and communities with associated applications (video surveillance, PTT, Telepresence, IP telephony, etc.). It also involves the laying of 942km of fiber optic cable along two segments: (1) Gao - Kidal - Tinzaouatane - Algerian border (699 km), and (2) Gao - Ansongo - Labezanga - Nigerian border (216 km). The proceeds from the loan will also be used to finance a video conferencing system, a Trustar system, and surveillance systems and centers in Bamako and Gao. Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. is the contractor responsible for implementation. The official launch of the project took place on November 21, 2011 in Gao. It is unclear if this project has been completed. It is, however, dependent upon a follow-on, China Eximbank-financed project — called the National Broadband Network Project — to connect to the national grid (see Project ID#36438).

Additional details

- This project is also known as the Mali Optical and Information Network Modernization Project and Fiber Optics and Telecom Modernization Project. - The French project title is Projet de modernisation du réseau optique et d'information du Mali or Projet de fibre optique et de modernisation des télécommunications au Mali. - - The Chinese project title is 光纤网项目.

Number of official sources

13

Number of unofficial sources

7