Bamako hosts international diaspora forum, focusing on productive investments for Mali

The second International Diaspora Forum (FID) is currently underway at the International Conference Center of Bamako (CICB) from July 16 to 18, 2026. This year’s central theme, “Malian Diaspora and Productive Investments: Building an Economically Strong Mali for Sustainable Development,” underscores a critical focus on leveraging expatriate contributions.

Morocco holds the esteemed position of guest of honor at this edition, signaling a strong commitment from authorities to position the diaspora as a key driver for national economic growth. Divisional General Abdoulaye Maïga, the Prime Minister, presided over the forum’s opening proceedings.

Driss Isbayène, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Mali, shared that his nation possesses a similar experience with its diaspora. He noted that Morocco has approximately six million citizens residing abroad, a figure closely mirroring that of the Malian diaspora.

Isbayène emphasized that “both countries confront the identical challenge: successfully maintaining their diaspora’s connection to their homeland, and, more importantly, inspiring them to increase investments in ventures that are economically profitable and beneficial to the national economy.”

Alimatou Diallo, a Senegalese national who has resided in Mali for several years, expressed gratitude for the country’s hospitality. “Since I began living in Mali, I have never felt isolated,” she affirmed. She further added that “this initiative empowers us to develop ourselves and promote our products.”

Habib Sylla, President of the High Council of Malians Established Abroad, vividly recalls the powerful words of Transitional President, Army General Assimi Goïta. During an audience granted to the diaspora following the first FID edition, President Goïta declared, “Do not hesitate to come and invest in your homeland. I remain fully available to support you in case of any obstacles; my door is wide open.”

For Sylla, this declaration represented “the strongest signal the diaspora could have hoped for.” He urged Malians living abroad to continue channeling their investments into promising and high-potential sectors.

Mossa Ag Attaher, the Minister of Malians Established Abroad and African Integration, asserted that “the diaspora is by no means relegated to the nation’s periphery; it beats at the very heart of its destiny.” He elaborated that “Diaspora Hub transcends the simple dimension of a digital platform. It represents a meticulously designed digital infrastructure intended to permanently anchor Malians living abroad to their homeland, their institutions, and the vast prospects of our development.”

Prime Minister, Divisional General Abdoulaye Maïga, described this as a genuine strategy for Mali’s economic, social, and institutional transformation. He stated that “this vision reflects the ambition to construct a sovereign, prosperous, resilient, and unified nation by mobilizing all competencies, including those of our diaspora.”

He further noted that “this ambition aligns with the dynamic of the Alliance of Sahel States, which provides a renewed space for economic integration, regional solidarity, and mutually beneficial cooperation, contributing to a forward-looking Sahel Vision.” The Malian diaspora is called upon to play a leading role, as its expertise, experience, networks, and investment capacity form a vital link between Mali, the confederal space, and the wider world, driving positive West Africa Sahel news.