Mali's Council of Ministers convened on Friday, September 18, 2026, to discuss and adopt several key measures. The Council adopted a draft law on the 2027 Finance Bill, which outlines the country's budget for the upcoming year. The bill was presented by the Minister of State for Economy and Finance. The 2027 budget forecasts revenues of 3,866.635 billion Francs CFA, a 14.64% increase from the revised 2026 budget.
The 2027 budget also forecasts expenditures of 4,462.646 billion Francs CFA, an 11.75% increase from the revised 2026 budget. This results in a projected deficit of 596.011 billion Francs CFA, a 3.93% decrease from the revised 2026 budget. The Council also adopted a draft decree approving the National Penitentiary Policy and its 2026-2030 Action Plan. This policy aims to provide a reference framework for penitentiary administration in line with national and international norms.
In addition to these measures, the Council made several key appointments. At the Ministry of Defense and Veterans, Abdoul Razak Maiga was appointed as a chargé de mission. At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Amadou Macina was appointed as Chef de Cabinet, while Issiaka Sadou Maiga, Namatou Arouboncana, Alfousseiny Sidibe, and Mahamane Amadou Maiga were appointed as chargés de mission.
Further appointments were made at various ministries, including the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, where Zoumana Traore was appointed as Director General of the Center for Research and Training for Light Industries and Textiles. At the Ministry of Energy and Water, Fafa Fofana was appointed as a technical advisor. Mamadou Goumane was appointed as Director General of the Environment and Sustainable Development Agency at the Ministry of Environment, Sanitation, and Sustainable Development.
The Council also heard communications from various ministers. The Minister of Youth and Sports, charged with civic instruction and citizenship, informed the Council about the first edition of the Grand Forum of the Malian Youth, held in Philadelphia, USA, from September 5-6, 2026. The forum focused on themes such as leadership, innovation, and citizen engagement.
The Minister of Malians Abroad and African Integration informed the Council about the launch of a digital platform dedicated to the repertoire of skills of Malians abroad. The platform, accessible at www.malidiaspora.org, aims to promote and value the skills of the Malian diaspora. The Minister of National Entrepreneurship, Employment, and Vocational Training also informed the Council about Mali's participation in the 7th Meeting of the Dialogue between the Technical Cooperation Agencies of the Islamic Development Bank member countries.
The meeting, held in Cairo, Egypt, from September 6-8, 2026, focused on strengthening South-South and triangular cooperation, responding to crises, and building sustainable partnerships. The Minister emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship, vocational training, and youth insertion in building the country's economic sovereignty.
Key points
- The Council of Ministers adopted the 2027 budget, which forecasts revenues of 3,866.635 billion Francs CFA and expenditures of 4,462.646 billion Francs CFA.
