The 12th annual review of reforms, policies, programs, and projects of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) for 2026 has commenced in Bamako, Mali. The technical phase of the review, which began on November 4, aims to assess Mali's implementation of UEMOA's community commitments, evaluate the results achieved, and identify challenges encountered. The review is a crucial exercise that contributes to regional integration, harmonization of national laws, and improved monitoring of community policies, programs, and projects.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Souleymane Diarra, technical advisor to the Minister of State for Economy and Finance, who represented the minister. He was accompanied by Roberto Alexandre Vieira, resident representative of the UEMOA Commission in Mali, and Zaliha Maïga, coordinator of the UEMOA National Cell. Vieira emphasized that the review provides a privileged framework for examining community texts, measuring progress, and identifying constraints related to their implementation.
Vieira noted that since its institutionalization, the annual review has contributed significantly to strengthening regional integration, harmonizing national laws, and improving the monitoring of community policies, programs, and projects in member states. He stressed the need for rigorous follow-up of recommendations formulated during previous editions and urged national structures to take necessary measures to accelerate the implementation of community reforms and projects.
The review will enable Mali to evaluate progress made and define actions necessary for better application of community reforms. The exercise, established by the Additional Act No. 05/2013/CCEG/UEMOA of October 24, 2013, provides a framework for dialogue between member states and the UEMOA Commission. It aims to accelerate the internalization of reforms and the implementation of community policies, programs, and projects.
Diarra highlighted Mali's performance in implementing community reforms during previous editions, noting that the country's progress on the security front offers encouraging prospects for the continuation of reforms and development projects, despite persistent constraints. The review will assess progress made, promote the transposition of community directives within the stipulated deadlines, and strengthen consultation between national administrations and the UEMOA Commission.
The review will also identify obstacles to the proper execution of community commitments. The conclusions of the review will be recorded in a consensual memorandum, which will present Mali's performance for 2026. The document will be signed by both parties and serve as a reference for the continuation of the process.
The participants will work to ensure that the recommendations formulated during the review are implemented, and that the necessary measures are taken to accelerate the implementation of community reforms and projects. The review is expected to contribute to the strengthening of regional integration and the improvement of the business environment in Mali and other UEMOA member states.
Key points
- The review aims to assess Mali's implementation of UEMOA reforms and identify challenges encountered.
- The exercise contributes to regional integration, harmonization of national laws, and improved monitoring of community policies, programs, and projects.
- The review will result in a consensual memorandum outlining Mali's performance and serving as a reference for future actions.
