12 November 2024

The Malian authorities, through the Ministry of Communication, Digital Economy and Modernization of Administration (MCEM), have set 15 December as the deadline for the identification of SIM cards.

Each Malian must link each of their telephone numbers to their National Identification Number (NINA). The number of SIM cards per subscriber has been set at three per telecom operator.

“In the absence of a response from subscribers by 15 December 2024 at the latest, numbers not identified by the NINA will switch to simple reception mode before the total deactivation of the SIM card and then its suspension, which will result in the termination of the subscription,” said the MCEM. “The procedure with operators and Internet service providers is completely free.” Through this regulatory measure, the Malian government is demonstrating its desire to secure the telecommunications sector.

By associating each telephone number with a unique identity, it aims to reduce identity theft, fraud on digital transactions and the risk of illegal activities such as hate messages, threats, scams, money laundering.