Mali Eyes $883 Million for Infrastructure Projects

Mali plans to use revenues generated from its mining sector reforms to unlock up to 500 billion CFA francs (about $883 million) for major infrastructure projects, including energy, water and transport, as said by the Finance Minister Alousseni Sanou.

The announcement offers the clearest indication yet of how the military-led government intends to channel increased mining revenues into long-term national development after introducing a new mining code in 2023. The reforms increased mining royalties, expanded state ownership in mining projects and sought to secure a larger share of the country’s mineral wealth.

Speaking on state television, Sanou said the Energy, Water and Transport Infrastructure Development Fund had mobilised 109.14 billion CFA francs between January 2025 and June 2026. The fund is financed through mandatory contributions from mining permit holders, including 1% of quarterly turnover and a portion of ad valorem taxes paid by mining companies.

According to the finance minister, the fund generates at least 50 billion CFA francs annually, providing a stable financial base that could be leveraged to attract significantly larger investments for strategic infrastructure development.

Infrastructure Minister Dembele Madina Sissoko said priority projects under consideration include railway expansion, road construction, the acquisition of boats and investments to support the operations of state-owned Mali Airlines SA.

The initiative reflects a broader trend across several African resource-rich countries seeking to convert greater revenues from mining into long-term economic development through increased investment in critical infrastructure and public services.

SOURCE: Reuters