India and Mali have institutionalised their growing economic partnership with the launch of the inaugural India–Mali Forum for the Promotion of Exports in Bamako, marking a significant step towards strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties.
Held over two days under the theme “Reinforcing Trade and Strategic Partnerships”, the forum was jointly organised by Mali’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Embassy of India in Bamako and the Malian Agency for the Promotion of Exports (APEX-Mali). The event was presided over by Mali’s Prime Minister of the Transition Government, Major General Abdoulaye Maïga, and brought together senior government officials and around 30 Indian business leaders. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary (FT-Africa) in the Department of Commerce, Amit Kumar, while Indian Ambassador to Mali, Dr N. Nandakumar, also participated.
India-Mali bilateral trade crossed $326.61 million in FY2025-26, registering a 55 per cent increase over the previous financial year. Mali’s key exports to India include raw cotton, finished leather, cashew, lead, gum arabic and sesame, while India exports pharmaceuticals, cotton fabrics, two- and three-wheelers, and bicycles. The government said India’s Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) Scheme has played a key role in boosting trade. Against Mali’s global exports of nearly $4 billion, the untapped export potential in the Indian market is estimated at around $3.96 billion.
Following the inaugural session, delegates visited Indian and Malian exhibition stalls showcasing Sonalika tractors and vehicles manufactured by Mahindra and Tata Motors. The forum also featured Business-to-Business (B2B), Business-to-Government (B2G) and Government-to-Government (G2G) meetings focused on renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, textiles, automotive manufacturing and mining, with the aim of translating business opportunities into commercial partnerships and Memorandums of Understanding.
On the second day, the Indian delegation met Mali’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Moussa Alassane Diallo. APEX-Mali presented a series of “Ready-Made Business Plans” highlighting immediate investment opportunities before the delegation called on the Prime Minister.
Both countries identified cotton and textiles, mining and energy, agro-industry and shea processing, pharmaceuticals, and social infrastructure, including healthcare and education, as priority sectors for deeper cooperation. Mali also sought India’s support in digitising its Certificate of Origin system and speeding up the registration of approved Indian pharmaceutical products. India, meanwhile, requested a review of Mali’s shea-nut export ban and reiterated the need to ensure the safety of Indian nationals and investments in the country.
The forum concluded with Mali reaffirming its commitment to creating a secure business environment and positioning itself as a strategic investment destination in West Africa under its Vision Mali 2063 roadmap. As the next step, the country announced that it will host a dedicated investment forum on December 3-4, 2026, where additional bankable projects will be presented to global investors.
