The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a $129 million disbursement to Mali under its Rapid Credit Facility (RCF), aimed at addressing the country’s urgent economic and humanitarian needs following the devastating 2024 floods. The flooding caused severe damage to critical infrastructure, agricultural lands, and disrupted access to health, education, and transportation services, worsening food insecurity and exposing vulnerabilities in public service delivery.
According to the IMF, the funds — equivalent to 93.3 million Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) — will help Mali cover urgent balance of payments needs, facilitate importation of essential goods, and rebuild flood-damaged infrastructure. The aid is accompanied by an 11-month Staff-Monitored Programme (SMP) designed to reinforce macroeconomic stability, improve governance, and strengthen social safety nets. The Malian government has committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of IMF resources.
Key reform areas include boosting fiscal efficiency, supporting vulnerable populations, and restructuring troubled state-owned enterprises like Énergie du Mali (EDM) to enhance reliability in energy services. The IMF noted that while Mali faces ongoing challenges, including political uncertainty and external shocks, the financial support aims to stabilize the economy, protect livelihoods, and promote resilience in the face of future crises.
