The inaugural International Forum of the Malian Diaspora opened in Bamako today, highlighting the substantial financial contributions from Malians living abroad, which reached nearly CFA700 billion (approximately $1.15 billion) in 2023, accounting for 5% of Mali’s GDP.
The forum seeks to strategically channel these significant remittances into sustainable investments to bolster Mali’s national development.
Chaired by Prime Minister General Abdoulaye Maiga, the forum brought together participants from 77 countries under the theme, “The Issues and Challenges for a Diaspora at the Heart of National Economic Development.” It underscored the decisive role Malians abroad play in the national economy. According to data from the Ministry of Malians Living Abroad, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the Rabat Process, the Malian diaspora is estimated to be between four and six million people. Over half reside in West Africa, primarily in Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Mauritania, and Niger, with significant communities also in Europe (France, Spain, Italy) and North America. This diverse population includes migrant workers, entrepreneurs, dual nationals, and skilled professionals.
In his opening address, Prime Minister Maiga praised the diaspora’s mobilization, noting that their remittances, which the World Bank reported at CFA700 billion in 2023, primarily support household consumption, social spending, and community projects in their regions of origin. The forum aims to better structure these financial flows and direct them towards productive and sustainable investments.
To achieve this, the Prime Minister announced several key initiatives: Creation of a one-stop shop within the Malian Investment Promotion Agency (API-Mali). Introduction of tax incentives. Development of a national diaspora investment strategy. Publication of a guide to promising economic sectors. A feasibility study for an investment bank specifically dedicated to Malians abroad is also underway.
On the institutional front, the new Constitution adopted in 2023 provides for formal representation of the diaspora in both the Parliament’s National Assembly and Senate. This move aims to translate the diaspora’s financial commitment into active civic and political participation.
The opening ceremony saw the attendance of several government members, the Nigerien Minister of Foreign Affairs, the IOM Regional Director, and various technical and financial partners. In his speech, the Prime Minister stressed the need to transition from observation to action, fostering a lasting relationship between the state and its citizens abroad based on trust and reciprocity. Over the next three days, participants will focus on improving migration governance, developing skills, and removing administrative and financial barriers that hinder diaspora investment. For Bamako, the ultimate goal is to transform migration into a powerful lever for national development, especially in the current context of security, economic, and climate crises.
MD/ac/Sf/fss/abj/APA