Malian Prime Minister Major General Abdoulaye Maiga met with a delegation from the Regional Consular Chamber of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (RCC-UEMOA) on Tuesday in Bamako.
The meeting, led by RCC-UEMOA President Helena Nosolini Embalo, focused on bolstering regional economic competitiveness, integration, and the crucial role of the private sector in Mali’s economic recovery, despite the country’s withdrawal from ECOWAS.
Prime Minister Maiga commended the resilience of the Malian private sector, particularly in the face of embargo effects, and affirmed the government’s dedication to fostering a “sovereign and resilient economy.” He emphasized that Mali, while no longer an ECOWAS member, remains economically committed to UEMOA and seeks to maintain cooperative ties within a framework of controlled sovereignty.
President Embalo outlined the RCC-UEMOA’s priorities for her 2024–2027 term, which include enhancing synergies between the private sector and public authorities, promoting the fluidity of community markets, and improving the overall business climate. She expressed a strong desire for Malian companies to fully integrate into regional value chains.
According to recent data from the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), Mali’s economy grew by 4.1% in 2024, primarily driven by the agriculture and services sectors. Inflation remained contained at 3.3%, and the public deficit was reduced to approximately 3% of GDP. The International Monetary Fund projects a positive outlook for 2025, with an anticipated growth rate of 4.7%.
The Malian government is actively pursuing a recovery strategy centered on industrialization, crafts, hospitality, and local processing. Mamou Daffé, the minister overseeing these sectors, and Madiou Simpara, president of the Malian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, were present at the meeting.
This engagement underscores Mali’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its relationships with regional economic institutions despite current geopolitical tensions, highlighting the pivotal role envisioned for the private sector in the nation’s development trajectory.
MD/Sf/fss/abj/APA