AES International Entrepreneurship Fair: 2nd edition, 18 to 21 November 2026

The 2nd AES International Entrepreneurship Fair (Salon international de l'Entrepreneuriat-AES) will take place from 18 to 21 November 2026 in Bamako. The Minister of National Entrepreneurship, Employment and Vocational Training informed the Council of Ministers of it on 28 August 2026.

Before you travel: in October 2026, France and the United Kingdom advise against all travel to Mali, Bamako included. Read our page on safety and travel advice.

An edition devoted to the National Entrepreneurship Strategy

This edition is devoted to popularising and taking ownership of the National Entrepreneurship Strategy, approved with its 2026-2030 action plan by decree no. 2026-0308/PT-RM of 26 May 2026: see our page on the public bodies created in 2026. It is meant to build on the first edition's partnerships and networking between players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The government says it wants to help build an entrepreneurial culture and create more jobs, especially for women and young people. The fair takes place within the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), which brings together Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger: see our article on what the AES changes for Malians.

For project holders

The programme, venue and participation details had not been published as of 18 October 2026. To prepare a project, useful pages:

• starting a business at the API-Mali one-stop shop;
• tax number (NIF), patente and tax clearance;
• licensed banks and mobile money for financing.

Three weeks later, the Mali Kura Forum (11 and 12 December 2026) will bring investors and project holders together.

Frequently asked questions

When is the 2026 AES Entrepreneurship Fair?

From 18 to 21 November 2026, in Bamako.

What is this edition's theme?

Popularising and taking ownership of the National Entrepreneurship Strategy.

Source: General Secretariat of the Government, Council of Ministers statement of 28 August 2026 (French).