Three years ago, I was lucky enough to be part of Mali's first national robotics team, formed by RobotsMali.
In this centre, I learned to design and assemble robots to perform specific tasks using programming. I also had the opportunity to travel to Washington DC, USA, to compete in the 2017 First Global International Robotics Competition, where our team won the silver medal.
This training brought new knowledge in science and new technologies and enabled my comrades and I to acquire a state of transformational nature that many of us did not know and other unexpected qualities such as:
- Self-confidence
- Curiosity
- Positive competition
- Rigor in discipline
- Leadership
- Entrepreneurship
- A new way of looking at things and thirst for development
After our great success in Washington DC in 2017, I made a contest to join the African Leadership Academy (ALA) in Johannesburg. ALA is an academic program with a global reputation that aims to train transformational leaders who will work together to meet Africa's greatest challenges, achieve an extraordinary social impact and accelerate Africa's growth.
The ALA entrance examination is extremely competitive, with only 5% of the candidates taking place each year. So it's with immense pride that I joined the ALA on the 1st.and September 2018. I am convinced that, without my robotics training, I would have failed because before I did not have the potential leadership qualities that the ALA is looking for.
After graduating from the Academy in June 2020, I have the opportunity to pursue my studies in the United States, Europe or Asia. Still in the field of robotics and artificial intelligence, I continue my course with studies of international trade in parallel.
Robotics is one of the most important factors that can accelerate the development of our country. RobotsMali is the realization of this development. I am very pleased with the creation of this robotics centre because it will allow other young Malians to take advantage of this opportunity, as I have taken advantage of it. I thank all those who contributed to the establishment of this centre, including the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, UNESCO and of course the dedicated team of RobotsMali.
