The Mali has ordered all government departments to prioritize locally manufactured goods in public procurement, requiring each ministry to set aside CFA 100 million in its 2026 budget for purchases from domestic producers. The directive, issued in a circular signed by Economy and Finance Minister Alousséni Sanou, formalizes a shift toward supporting Malian small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and expanding national production capacity. It follows recommendations of the National Re-foundation Conference (ANR), notably the “Buy Malian” principle.
Under the measure, ministries are encouraged to source office furniture, locally produced food and beverages (including tea and natural drinks), and hygiene products from Malian manufacturers. If fully implemented, officials say the policy could redirect several billion CFA francs into the local economy, using state spending to reduce imports, create jobs, and strengthen economic sovereignty. While Mali’s Public Procurement Code already includes national preference clauses, this is the first time a mandatory, fixed budget allocation has been imposed across all ministries. Authorities caution that success will depend on local firms’ ability to meet quality and volume standards, as well as strict oversight to ensure transparency and fair competition. Comparable local content preferences exist in Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana, but Mali’s approach stands out for its centralized and compulsory budgetary commitment.
