Trade and industry in Bamako: what the commune, the District and the State handle (2026 decrees)
Who looks after markets, fairs, small-industry zones and the checking of measuring instruments in Bamako? Decrees no. 2026-0306 and no. 2026-0307 of 26 May 2026 set the powers transferred from the State to communes, regions and the District.
A trader, craftsperson or small manufacturer in Bamako deals with several levels of administration: the commune, the District, the State. Two decrees of 26 May 2026 spell out, for trade and for industry, what belongs to local authorities. They replace the 2014 and 2018 texts.
Key points (texts checked on 19 October 2026)
- Communes run the development and management of markets and fairs, and check the accuracy of measuring instruments and the quality of consumer goods sold.
- For industry, communes identify, develop and manage small-industry zones, following the master plan for planning and urban development.
- The District of Bamako and the regions handle studies, development plans and major infrastructure, and organise trade events.
- The State makes the necessary resources available every year and provides advice and support.
Trade: decree no. 2026-0306
This decree repeals decree no. 2014-0791 of 14 October 2014. Its powers are split as follows.
| Level | What it handles in trade |
|---|---|
| Commune | communal plans and programmes for the development and management of markets and fairs; trade databases; strategies to promote local products; partnerships between players; trade events for local products; checking the accuracy of measuring instruments and the quality of consumer goods offered for sale |
| District of Bamako | studies on developing trade at District level; databases; plans and programmes; partnerships; major infrastructure to promote trade; trade events for promising sectors |
| Region | same tasks at regional level, with trade weeks for products of promising regional sectors |
For a market trader, the practical effect is that checking scales and the quality of goods sold falls to the commune, with advice and support from the Ministry of Trade's services. For the taxes traders pay the city, see Bamako's local taxes.
Industry: decree no. 2026-0307
This decree repeals decree no. 2018-0632 of 8 August 2018.
| Level | What it handles in industry |
|---|---|
| Commune | identifying, developing and managing small-industry zones, in line with the master plan for planning and urban development; databases; partnerships; industrial promotion of local sector products |
| District of Bamako | studies, databases, industrial development plans, partnerships, major infrastructure to promote industry |
| Region | studies, databases, small and medium enterprise development plans, major infrastructure |
Small-industry zones therefore fall to the commune, which identifies, develops and manages them. To set up an activity legally, start with the API-Mali one-stop shop.
What these decrees don't change
The decrees set powers, not new rights or taxes. For a business's taxes, see business taxation. To sell to a town hall or the District, see public procurement, thresholds and procedures, including the small contracts of local authorities.
The State undertakes to make the necessary resources available every year to communes, regions and the District for these powers (article 3 of each decree).
Frequently asked questions
Who manages Bamako's markets?
The communes, which draw up and carry out plans and programmes for developing and managing markets and fairs (decree no. 2026-0306, article 4).
Who checks scales and the quality of goods sold?
The commune checks the accuracy of measuring instruments and the quality of consumer goods for sale, with advice and support from the Ministry of Trade.
Where can I open a small industrial workshop in Bamako?
Communes identify, develop and manage small-industry zones, following the planning and urban development master plan.
Official source (checked on 19 October 2026)
- Official Journal of the Republic of Mali no. 11 of 29 May 2026, decrees no. 2026-0306/PT-RM and no. 2026-0307/PT-RM of 26 May 2026 setting the detail of powers transferred from the State to local authorities in trade and industry (French).