Registering an association in Mali: declaration, articles and receipt
Administrative authority (governorate, prefecture or sub-prefecture depending on the seat)
In Mali, every association, whatever its purpose (sport, culture, neighbourhood development, mutual aid), is governed by law no. 04-038 of 5 August 2004 on associations. A group can operate informally, but to gain legal capacity (open an account, sign a contract, receive a grant) it must be declared and obtain a receipt. This page follows the sheet on the official procedures portal.
Key points (checked on 17 October 2026)
- When: after the founding general meeting.
- Documents: declaration of creation in 2 copies (1 stamped), minutes of the founding meeting in 2 certified copies, articles of association in 2 certified copies (1 stamped).
- Cost: free.
- Result: a dated receipt signed by the administrative authority, listing the attached documents.
What an association is
The law defines an association as an agreement by which several people permanently pool their knowledge or activities for a purpose other than sharing profits. A sports club or a neighbourhood sports and cultural association (ASC) follows exactly the same procedure.
The steps
- Hold the founding general meeting, which adopts the articles and appoints the officers; minutes are drawn up.
- Write the prior declaration, which must state:
- the association's name and purpose;
- the address of its registered office and any other premises;
- the names, occupations and addresses of those in charge of running or managing it. It is signed by three officers.
- File the documents with the administrative authority: two copies of the declaration (one stamped), two certified copies of the minutes and two certified copies of the articles (one stamped).
- Receive the receipt, dated, signed and listing the attached documents, after an inquiry of variable length.
Copies are certified at the town hall: see our page on legalising documents. For a profit-making activity, you need a business instead: see registering a business at the API-Mali one-stop shop.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to set up an association in Mali?
The declaration is free according to the official portal; only stamps on one copy of the declaration and of the articles are needed.
How many officers are required?
The declaration is signed by three officers.
How long does the receipt take?
The sheet gives a variable timeline, depending on the length of the administrative inquiry.
Which law applies?
Law no. 04-038 of 5 August 2004 on associations.
Official source (checked on 17 October 2026)
- Government of Mali, procedures portal, How to set up a sports club or a sports and cultural association (ASC) (French): definition, documents, cost, receipt, law no. 04-038.