Investing in Mali from the diaspora: public schemes and 2026 events
What the Malian State offers in 2026 to Malians abroad who want to invest, according to the Council of Ministers statements: International Diaspora Forum (1,000 participants), Diaspora Hub platform, malidiaspora.org skills directory, TOKTEN, Resilience Fund, Mali Kura Forum.
Many Malians living abroad want to build, start a business or put their savings to work back home. In 2026 the government stepped up its schemes to help them. Here is what the official Council of Ministers statements say, and the practical pages to read before you start.
Key points (statements checked on 18 October 2026)
- The 2nd International Diaspora Forum (16 to 18 July 2026, Bamako) was devoted to productive investment and brought together more than 1,000 participants.
- A Diaspora Hub platform was presented there, and a one-stop support desk for diaspora investors was planned.
- Since 22 August 2026, malidiaspora.org lists the skills of Malians abroad.
- The Mali Kura Forum (11 and 12 December 2026) also aims to mobilise the diaspora around investment.
The International Diaspora Forum
The 2nd edition was held in Bamako from 16 to 18 July 2026, themed "Malian diaspora and productive investment: building an economically strong Mali for sustainable development". As announced to the Council on 3 June, the programme included:
- panels on financing, the business environment and skills transfer;
- business meetings between investors and partners;
- the presentation of structuring, bankable projects;
- a one-stop support desk for diaspora investors.
According to the 24 July report, the forum brought together more than 1,000 participants (diaspora investors, administrations, local authorities, diplomatic missions, partners, private sector, academics) and saw the presentation of the Diaspora Hub platform. Its recommendations call for stronger mechanisms to mobilise investment, transfer skills and support the diaspora.
Other public schemes
| Scheme | What it is |
|---|---|
| malidiaspora.org | digital skills directory of Malians abroad, launched on 22 August 2026 in Washington |
| TOKTEN programme | diaspora skills-transfer scheme, cited by the government among existing mechanisms |
| Unit for capitalising on diaspora expertise | public body devoted to diaspora expertise |
| Malian Diaspora Resilience Fund | framework for pooling diaspora contributions to support State action; a first cheque of 200 million FCFA, raised by the High Council of Malians Abroad, was handed over on 31 December 2025 |
| Tounkan Blon | dialogue platform on migration issues and support for returning migrants |
Upcoming events
- AES International Entrepreneurship Fair, 18 to 21 November 2026 in Bamako.
- Mali Kura Forum, 11 and 12 December 2026 in Bamako: its aims include mobilising the Malian diaspora around productive investment and connecting project holders with investors.
Before investing: pages to read
Property, the first project for many Malians abroad:
- buying land safely in Bamako;
- land title and urban concession;
- building a house in Bamako: costs;
- mortgage loans from banks.
Business:
- starting a business at the API-Mali one-stop shop;
- benefits of the Investment Code;
- promising sectors: agriculture and cotton, digital economy.
Remote procedures: passport, civil status, legalisation, see procedures for Malians abroad.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a desk for diaspora investors?
The 2026 International Diaspora Forum programme planned a one-stop support desk for diaspora investors. To start a business, the API-Mali one-stop shop remains the entry point.
What is malidiaspora.org?
A public platform launched on 22 August 2026 to list and promote the skills of Malians living abroad.
When is the next major investment forum?
The Mali Kura Forum, on 11 and 12 December 2026 in Bamako.
Official sources (checked on 18 October 2026)
Council of Ministers statements published by the General Secretariat of the Government (French): 16 January 2026, 28 January 2026, 3 June 2026, 24 July 2026, 2 September 2026 and 18 September 2026.