The Malian Ministry of Industry and Commerce, through the Agency for the Promotion of Investments in Mali (API-Mali), officially launched the "Forum du Mali Kura" on September 24, 2026, in Bamako. The event aims to bring together investors, project holders, and economic actors to discuss investment opportunities in the country. The forum is expected to take place at the Bamako International Conference Center (CICB) and will feature several high-ranking officials, including Minister of Industry and Commerce Moussa Alassane Diallo.
The forum's primary objective is to position Mali as a preferred destination for investment in West Africa, accelerating its economic transformation and enhancing its international image. Specific goals include promoting a structured portfolio of investment opportunities, facilitating direct connections between Malian project holders and investors, and encouraging the signing of partnership agreements. The event will also focus on showcasing local value chains and promoting industrial transformation in the country.
Ibrahim Ahamadou Touré, Director-General of API-Mali, presented the forum's details, highlighting its focus on projects and interactions between investors and project holders. He emphasized that the event will not be just about speeches, but about concrete projects and partnerships. API-Mali is working to compile a portfolio of viable and structured projects to be submitted to investors, with around 1,000 participants expected, including 400 international attendees.
Several countries, including Russia, China, Türkiye, India, Morocco, Burkina Faso, and Niger, have been invited as honorary guests. The private sector, particularly Malian companies, is encouraged to prepare and present their projects. The diaspora is also expected to play a significant role, providing capital, expertise, and partnerships. The forum will feature B2B and B2G meetings, thematic panels, project presentations, and an exhibition space.
The API-Mali presentation highlighted Mali's economic advantages, including a national market of nearly 25 million inhabitants, expanded to 80 million with neighboring countries in the AES space. The country's fertile land, mineral resources, and strategic location were also emphasized. The forum aims to change the narrative on Mali among international economic circles and showcase existing opportunities.
Minister Moussa Alassane Diallo officially launched the forum's organization process, emphasizing the need for local transformation of raw materials, citing the example of cotton. He stressed that the Malian private sector will be at the forefront of this initiative and called on banks, financial institutions, and partners to support the dynamic. The API-Mali plans to follow up on the forum's outcomes for several months to ensure that the partnerships and agreements announced lead to actual investments.
A digital platform is set to be launched in October for registrations, project presentations, and scheduling meetings between participants. The event's success will be measured by the number of investments generated, and the government is committed to supporting the process.
Key points
- The "Forum du Mali Kura" aims to attract investors and promote economic growth in Mali.
- The event will focus on showcasing local value chains and promoting industrial transformation in the country.
- Around 1,000 participants are expected to attend the forum, including 400 international attendees.
