Mali's President of the Transition, General Assimi GOÏTA, met with KAMAZ CEO Vasily TSYGANOV in Moscow on October 27, 2026. The meeting took place on the eve of the 3rd Russia-Africa Summit. Several high-ranking officials attended the audience, including Mali's Minister of State for Economy and Finance, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Minister of Mines, Minister of Industry and Commerce, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, and the Director-General of the Société de Transport et de Logistique (ESMTL).
The meeting follows a significant contract signing on October 7, 2026, between KAMAZ and ESMTL. The contract is worth over 30 billion francs CFA and involves the supply of 350 vehicles. In addition to the vehicle supply, the contract includes a training component for future drivers, mechanics, and engineers of ESMTL. This partnership marks a substantial step in Mali's efforts to enhance its transportation and logistics capabilities.
KAMAZ plans to expand its presence in Mali beyond the initial contract. The Russian company aims to establish a maintenance center and potentially an assembly plant in the country. This move aligns with Mali's goal of developing its industrial sector and creating a sovereign transportation and logistics tool. The partnership is expected to contribute to Mali's economic growth and industrialization.
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Madina SISSOKO DEMBELE, expressed satisfaction with the progress of the partnership. She confirmed that both parties are working diligently to meet the established roadmap. KAMAZ has reportedly expressed its intention to make Mali its central hub in West Africa. This development is seen as a significant boost to Mali's transportation and logistics sector.
The Société de Transport et de Logistique (ESMTL) was established as part of Mali's efforts to create a national transportation and logistics company. The company aims to provide a range of services, including transportation, logistics, and maintenance. The partnership with KAMAZ is expected to support ESMTL's growth and development.
The meeting between President GOÏTA and CEO TSYGANOV reflects the strengthening of cooperation between Mali and Russia. The two countries have been working together on various projects, including economic, industrial, and infrastructure initiatives. The KAMAZ deal is seen as a key component of this cooperation, with potential for further growth and development.
The cooperation between Mali and KAMAZ has the potential to create new opportunities for economic growth and development in the region. With KAMAZ's expertise and Mali's strategic location, the partnership could serve as a model for future collaborations between Russian companies and African nations.
Key points
- Mali's President Assimi GOÏTA meets KAMAZ CEO Vasily TSYGANOV in Moscow to discuss a 30 billion francs CFA contract for 350 vehicles.
- The contract includes a training component for future drivers, mechanics, and engineers of ESMTL.
- KAMAZ plans to establish a maintenance center and potentially an assembly plant in Mali, making the country its central hub in West Africa.
