Mali: African Development Bank and Business Leaders Strengthen Dialogue to Improve Private Sector Access to Financing

The National Council of Employers of Mali (CNPM), in partnership with the African Development Bank Group, brought together key stakeholders in Bamako on 15 September 2026 to address access to financing for Malian businesses.

The stakeholders, including the private sector, public authorities, financial institutions and development partners, also discussed ways to support bankable projects.

The meeting sought to raise awareness of the Bank Group's financing mechanisms, products and terms while establishing direct dialogue with businesses and professional organisations on their needs, constraints and investment opportunities.

The event was part of the Bank Group's 2026-2031 Country Strategy for Mali, and attracted about 100 participants.

Among them were representatives of the National Transitional Council, the CNPM professional associations, public administrations, financial institutions, technical partners, and business leaders.

The Bank Group Country Manager for Mali, Cédric Achille Mbeng Mezui, underscored the central role of the private sector in the continent's economic transformation and in creating sustainable jobs for young people and women.

"Private sector development is a key driver of growth, investment and job creation. Our ambition is to help businesses better understand the instruments available and turn business opportunities into bankable projects that can attract the financing needed for their development," he said.

"This meeting marks an important step in bringing Malian businesses closer to financing mechanisms suited to their needs. The priority now is to structure projects more effectively, direct project sponsors to the appropriate financing windows and support initiatives that can generate growth and jobs," said CNPM President Mossadeck Bally.

He urged participants to turn the discussions into concrete action for the benefit of the national economy.

Bank Group experts presented the main financial instruments available to the private sector, and the institution's approach to supporting investment.

Discussions covered blended finance, equity investments in companies, disbursement timelines, financing costs, political risk guarantees and technical assistance.

Participants also explored ways to develop mechanisms suited to public-private partnerships in high-potential sectors, including renewable energy, agro-industry, transport, infrastructure and the cotton value chain.

The discussions identified several avenues for improving project preparation, facilitating access to financing and making projects more attractive to private investors.

The parties agreed to continue dialogue with professional organisations, financial institutions and relevant public-sector stakeholders to build a pipeline of bankable projects capable of mobilising greater investment to support private sector growth and Mali's economic transformation.

Read the original article on African Development Bank (AfDB).