Mali's Economy Shows Contrasted Growth in Second Quarter 2026

Mali's economy exhibited a mixed performance in the second quarter of 2026, with an overall growth rate of 8.7% compared to the same period in 2025. The National Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) reported that this growth was primarily driven by the construction, telecommunications, industry, and mining sectors. The construction sector saw a significant increase of 23.4%, while telecommunications grew by 21.9%, industries by 17.7%, and mining by 9%.

The INSTAT also released its quarterly bulletin, KHI-DEUX, which provides key indicators by sector. The bulletin highlighted that investment in the economy increased by 26.5% during the same period. These performances largely contributed to the 8.7% growth rate recorded between April and June. However, this growth rate does not reflect the expected growth for the entire year of 2026, as it only compares the second quarter of 2026 to the same quarter of 2025.

Despite the overall positive growth, one sector stands out as an exception - the electricity sector. The INSTAT reported that the value added by the electricity sector declined by 29.1% compared to the same period in 2025. This decline does not necessarily mean that electricity production decreased by the same proportion, but it highlights the ongoing difficulties in the sector, which continue to weigh on economic activity.

The contrast in economic performance is also evident in different regions and industries. In Bamako, some artisans have reported an improvement in their daily activities due to better electricity supply. For instance, a tailor in Niaréla, Dra, mentioned that he used to spend around 8,000 CFA francs per day on diesel to power his generator during the peak of the crisis. In contrast, Ibrahim, a welder in Bandiagara, reported that his income had been halved due to the lack of regular electricity supply.

The uneven growth and challenges in the electricity sector highlight the complexities of Mali's economy. While some sectors and regions experience rapid growth, others face significant challenges, including high energy costs and frequent power outages. These disparities underscore the need for targeted solutions to support economic development and job creation.

To address these challenges, the Malian government and international organizations, such as the African Development Bank, have emphasized the importance of better structuring projects and directing businesses towards suitable financing options. During a meeting in September, Mossadeck Bally, President of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Mali (CNPM), stressed the need for improved access to finance to support growth and employment.

The 8.7% growth rate in the second quarter of 2026 reflects a real but uneven dynamism in Mali's economy. The question now is whether this growth can be sustained and spread across more sectors and regions, ultimately leading to more visible benefits for businesses and households.

Key points

• Mali's economy grew 8.7% in Q2 2026, driven by construction, telecoms, industry, and mining.
• The electricity sector struggled, with a 29.1% decline in value added compared to Q2 2025.
• The growth rate does not reflect the expected growth for the entire year of 2026.