The 12th edition of the technical phase of the annual review of reforms, policies, programs, and projects of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) kicked off in Bamako, Mali, on November 4, 2026. The event was opened by Souleymane Diarra, representative of the Minister of State, Minister of Economy and Finance. The review aims to evaluate the progress made and identify obstacles to the implementation of community reforms in Mali.
The review, which will run until November 6, 2026, will enable participants to assess the application of community texts in Mali. The exercise involves evaluating the results obtained, identifying difficulties encountered by administrations in implementing reforms, and pinpointing factors that may compromise their effectiveness. The conclusions will be recorded in a consensual memorandum to be signed by both parties.
The memorandum will outline Mali's performance in implementing community commitments for 2026. According to Roberto Alexandre Vieira, Resident Representative of the UEMOA Commission in Mali, this review plays a crucial role in deepening regional integration. He emphasized that the evaluation, organized in each member state for over a decade, has progressively strengthened the mobilization of national administrations around respect for community obligations.
Vieira also highlighted the importance of following up on recommendations made during previous editions. He invited stakeholders to accelerate their implementation, citing the lessons learned from the 2025 technical phase and the 2026 political phase. The works of this edition will be based on a weighting grid adopted during a preparatory regional workshop held in Bamako from June 22 to 26, 2026.
Souleymane Diarra recalled Mali's solid performance in implementing community reforms during previous evaluations. He also noted the progress made on the security front, which opens up encouraging prospects for the continuation of reforms and development projects. Despite national context constraints, Mali intends to pursue its community commitments.
The reforms aim to harmonize national frameworks and create conditions for balanced economic and social development within the Union. Their implementation should result in more efficient public management, a favorable investment environment, and improved services offered to populations. The consensual memorandum will serve as a basis for discussions during the political phase of the review.
The stakes are high, as the credibility of community commitments is measured by their effective application, benefiting the economy and populations. The conclusions of the review will be submitted to the Prime Minister for guidance. The outcome will be crucial in transforming recommendations into concrete measures, ensuring the implementation of community reforms and projects in Mali.
Key points
- The 12th edition of the UEMOA annual review aims to assess Mali's implementation of community reforms and identify areas for improvement.
- The review will result in a consensual memorandum outlining Mali's performance in implementing community commitments for 2026.
- The evaluation plays a crucial role in deepening regional integration and strengthening the mobilization of national administrations around respect for community obligations.
