Mali has officially handed over the production of its biometric passports from the French company IDEMIA to China’s EMPTECH, in a move the government says reinforces national control over digital data and identity systems.
The Chinese firm, officially known as Shenzhen Emperor Technology Co., Ltd., will oversee the design, production, and supply of Mali’s new AES e-passport, which meets the latest International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) security standards.
According to the Ministry of Security and Civil Protection, the change marks a new stage in Mali’s digital modernization strategy. Officials said the new system will enhance data protection, improve service delivery, and strengthen the country’s administrative independence.
The decision comes after tensions with IDEMIA, Mali’s previous passport provider. In 2023, Bamako accused the French company of withholding access to the national biometric database, sparking concerns about digital sovereignty and contributing to election delays planned for early 2024. The government later began a process to reclaim full control of its identification infrastructure.
EMPTECH, founded in 1995 and based in Shenzhen, provides biometric and secure document solutions in more than 60 countries. The company has previously supported electronic passport projects in Burkina Faso and several Asian nations.
To prepare for the transition, Mali temporarily suspended passport enrollment services in late September for system adjustments. The Ministry said standard applications were paused on October 11 and premium services on October 16, with operations set to resume by October 25.
During this period, the government also introduced new passport fees, lowering costs to 45,000 CFA francs for standard applications and 90,000 CFA francs for expedited services.
Officials described the change as part of a wider effort by Mali’s transitional authorities to modernize state administration and expand partnerships beyond traditional European providers.
“This reform ensures greater control over our data while improving efficiency and public service quality,” said Oumar Sogoba, Secretary General at the Ministry of Security.
The adoption of the AES biometric passport, expected to begin later this year, represents Mali’s latest step toward achieving digital sovereignty and diversified international cooperation in technology and security.