A high-level meeting on Thursday, April 17, 2025, between Wencai Zhang, Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer of the World Bank Group, and Malian transitional authorities, including the Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Alousseni Sanou, signals a strengthened partnership focused on resilience and sustainable development.
The strategic discussions underscore the alignment of priorities between Mali and the international financial institution in a context prioritizing stability and long-term growth.
The discussions centered on current areas of collaboration and explored avenues for increased technical and financial support from the World Bank. Mr. Zhang expressed his satisfaction with the growing convergence between Mali’s national development visions – the “Vision Mali kura ɲɛtaasira ka bɛn san 2063” and the National Strategy for Emergence and Sustainable Development (SNEDD) 2024-2033 – and the World Bank’s strategic objectives. A key focus of the meeting was the upcoming 21st replenishment of the International Development Association (IDA21), an initiative aimed at mobilizing greater financing for low-income countries, with a specific emphasis on infrastructure, social protection, governance, and climate resilience.
As of March 31, 2025, the World Bank’s active portfolio in Mali encompasses 19 projects – 11 national and 8 regional – with a total approved funding of $1.796 billion (approximately 1,077.6 billion CFA francs). These projects span critical sectors including education, health, governance, rural development, economic stabilization, and infrastructure.
A significant project highlighted during the meeting is the rehabilitation of the strategic Sevare-Gao road, a vital artery stretching over 600 kilometers and connecting central to northern Mali. With a funding allocation of $41.4 million (approximately 22.2 billion CFA francs), this project aims to improve connectivity to the northern regions, strengthen territorial cohesion, and enhance access to markets. While work on the road has been temporarily suspended due to security concerns, it is slated to resume as soon as conditions permit, with the Military Engineering Corps taking on a significant portion of the work in the most sensitive areas.
The Malian Prime Minister also advocated for the resumption of General Budget Support (GBS), which is currently suspended. He reiterated the three guiding principles governing Mali’s external relations, as set forth by the President of the Transition, General Assimi Goita: respect for sovereignty, respect for the strategic choices of partners, and the defense of the vital interests of the Malian people.
Mr. Zhang commended the quality of the ongoing dialogue with the Malian authorities and affirmed the World Bank’s steadfast commitment to continuing its support for Mali. He reiterated the institution’s dedication to assisting the country in its pursuit of sustainable, sovereign, and inclusive development, working in close coordination with other international partners.
MD/te/Sf/fss/abj/APA