Chinese identity solutions provider Emptech is reportedly positioning itself to enter Mali’s technology market, with aspirations to secure a contract for the production of government-issued documents. This strategic move coincides with a larger trend of Chinese technology companies expanding their footprint in Africa’s rapidly evolving and lucrative identity documents sector.
Recent reports indicate that Emptech has been diligently working for several months to establish a presence in Mali. This development follows an announcement by Malian leader Assimi Goïta regarding plans by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) — which includes Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger — to implement a common biometric passport. This initiative represents a significant step for these three nations, all of which are currently under military leadership, as they officially exited the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) earlier this year due to sanctions imposed following military coups.
Despite not yet having fully engaged in the Mali project, Emptech remains optimistic about exploring potential opportunities in the country. The company’s marketing director emphasized their commitment to delivering innovative and reliable digital identity solutions that adhere to local regulations and development initiatives. This approach reflects Emptech’s strategic intent to respect the unique regulatory environments in each market while providing high-quality services. The company’s leadership has expressed enthusiasm about future prospects in Mali, highlighting the potential for growth in the region.
The proposed introduction of a common biometric passport by the AES countries is seen as a crucial step in solidifying their independence from ECOWAS, which has imposed sanctions on them following recent military takeovers. While the specific details regarding who will produce the new passport remain unclear, sources suggest that negotiations for the contract are well advanced, indicating a competitive landscape for identity solution providers.
In a related development, just days prior to the announcement of the common passport plan, Burkina Faso unveiled its new generation travel document, which notably does not feature the ECOWAS logo or any indication of affiliation with the now-abandoned regional bloc. Emptech played a key role in producing this passport, which has been designed in accordance with the latest security standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This alignment with international standards demonstrates Emptech’s commitment to providing secure and reliable identity solutions.
In addition to its efforts in Mali, Emptech has been actively involved in various biometric projects across Africa. The company has previously collaborated with Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enhance electoral processes through biometric technology. Moreover, in Malawi, Emptech contributed to the production of national ID cards, showcasing its expertise in identity management solutions.
As part of its strategy to expand its presence in Africa, Emptech recently announced plans to hire a regional sales manager for East Africa. This recruitment underscores the company’s intention to strengthen its operations in the region, signaling its focus on driving sales growth and establishing a deeper connection with local markets.
At a recent industry conference, Emptech showcased some of its innovative identity solutions, where the company’s leadership discussed how their technologies can effectively address identity challenges faced by various countries in Africa. By leveraging advanced technology and deep market understanding, Emptech aims to position itself as a leading provider of digital identity solutions in the continent, addressing the diverse needs of governments and organizations looking to enhance their identity management systems.