Embassy of India
Bamako
CELEBRATION OF ITEC DAY 2026 (19 September 2026)
Press Release
The Embassy of India in Mali celebrated ITEC Day 2026 at the Bamako International Conference Centre (CICB) on 19 September 2026 in a grand and befitting manner. The celebration was organized to commemorate India’s flagship capacity-building programme - Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) - and to honour Malian alumni who have been part of this enduring partnership.
2. The event was graced by Ambassador Dr. N. Nandakumar, Col. Souleymane Sangare, Director General of the Alioune Blondin Beye Peacekeeping School (ABB) as Guest of Honour and Mr. Zoumana Diarra, Secretary General of the National Human Rights Commission of Mali as Chief Guest. The gathering included ITEC alumni from various Ministries of the Government of Mali, defence personnel, professionals, entrepreneurs, civil society actors, members of the India-Mali Amity Association, members of the Indian community, and Embassy officials.
3. The programme commenced with the screening of the ITEC Day video, showcasing the journey of ITEC and its global outreach. This was followed by a welcome address. Ambassador Dr. N. Nandakumar delivered the keynote address. He noted that over the years, hundreds of Malian professionals have benefited from ITEC scholarships in diverse fields such as IT, management, rural development, defence, and governance. The Chief Guest, Mr. Zoumana Diarra, in his remarks, appreciated the Government of India for its sustained support to Mali’s human resource development and lauded the role of ITEC in empowering Malian institutions. A key highlight of the event was the experience-sharing session by distinguished ITEC alumni. Alumni shared their reminiscences of training in India, success stories, and how the knowledge gained is being applied in their respective fields in Mali.
4. The following distinguished ITEC alumni were felicitated with awards and certificates for excellence in their respective fields. The awards were given away by Ambassador Dr. N. Nandakumar and the distinguished guests in recognition of their contribution to the Government and people of Mali.
a. Mr. Abdrahamane SYLLA, Public Service (Cowpea Breeding Researcer, Institute of Rural Economy)
b. Mr. MALICK MAIGA, Public Service (General Director, Complexe Numerique de Bamako)
c. Mrs. BINTOU SAMAKE, Social Sector (CEO, Entreprise Senekura)
d. Mr SOULEYMANE SAMAKE, Social Sector (Consultant and Head High School Teacher, Kurukanfuka Consulting for Education and Culture)
e. Mr. AMIDOU ASCOFARE, Entrepreneurship (Entrepreneur, Asco Decor)
f. Mr. Elhadj Oumar Coulibaly, Culture (Yoga Teacher)
5. The event included an ITEC Quiz on India and witnessed enthusiastic and colourful cultural performances by members of the Indian community, the Dosti Dance Group, and friends of India and Mali, showcasing India’s cultural diversity and the growing people-to-people connect.
6. The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Kumar Praveen, Head of Chancery, who thanked the Chief Guest, distinguished alumni, cultural performers and all participants for making the celebration a success. The event ended with refreshments and networking among alumni. The celebration was widely publicized on the Mission’s social media handles and was well received, reaffirming ITEC as a flagship pillar of India-Mali bilateral relations.
7. Pictures of the programme can be accessed from the social media pages of the Embassy.
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