The 3rd Russia-Africa Summit took place in Moscow on October 28-29, 2026, with the theme "For Peace, Security, and Development." Mali's Transitional President, General Assimi Goïta, participated in the summit. On October 28, Mali's Minister of Mines, Professor Amadou Keïta, signed two agreements with Russia's ZarubezhGeologia. The agreements aim to improve Mali's understanding of its subsurface and enhance the management of geological data.
The first agreement focuses on creating a national geological map at a scale of 1/200,000. This map will provide detailed information on areas with geological and mining potential. It will also identify "promotion zones" that are favorable for prospecting and can be offered to investors. The second agreement involves establishing a national geological information system to store, visualize, and analyze data on Mali's subsurface.
The national geological information system will centralize dispersed knowledge, enabling more effective exploitation of geological data. To support this initiative, agents from Mali's National Directorate of Geology and Mines have already received training in interpreting satellite images. This capacity building will help Mali to better manage its geological data and make informed decisions.
Professor Keïta also participated in a panel discussion on Mali's 2023 Mining Code. The code increases the state's participation in mining projects to 30% and local investors' participation to 5%. These changes reflect Mali's priorities of asserting its sovereignty over natural resources and strengthening local content. The minister reassured foreign partners, including Russia's Rosatom, which is engaged in a lithium project in Mali.
The minister emphasized that Mali will respect investments made on its soil. By signing these agreements, Mali aims to defend its national interests while honoring its commitments to economic partners. The agreements complement the reforms introduced by the 2023 Mining Code, demonstrating Mali's efforts to modernize its mining sector.
The two agreements will provide Mali with new tools to understand its mining potential and modernize the management of its geological data. This development is expected to enhance the country's ability to attract investors and make informed decisions about its natural resources. The agreements were signed on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Summit, highlighting the growing cooperation between Mali and Russia.
The Russia-Africa Summit provided a platform for Mali to engage with other African countries and international partners on issues related to peace, security, and development. The summit's theme reflects the shared priorities of Russia and Africa, including promoting economic cooperation and addressing common challenges. Mali's participation in the summit underscores its commitment to strengthening international partnerships and promoting sustainable development.
Key points
- Mali signs two mining agreements with Russia's ZarubezhGeologia to improve its understanding of its subsurface and enhance geological data management.
- The agreements aim to promote investment in Mali's mining sector and support the country's economic development.
- The 2023 Mining Code increases the state's participation in mining projects to 30% and local investors' participation to 5%, reflecting Mali's priorities of asserting its sovereignty over natural resources.
