Mali and Morocco forge partnership for diaspora investment in Bamako

The second edition of the International Diaspora Forum (FID) is currently underway at the International Conference Center of Bamako (CICB), running from July 16 to 18, 2026. This year’s pivotal theme is: «Malian Diaspora and Productive Investments: Building an Economically Strong Mali for Sustainable Development».

Morocco has been designated as the guest of honor for this edition, a clear signal of the authorities’ commitment to positioning their diaspora as a central force in national economic development. The forum’s opening sessions were presided over by Prime Minister, Major General Abdoulaye Maïga.

Driss Isbayène, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Mali, highlighted his country’s shared experience regarding its diaspora. He noted that Morocco has approximately six million citizens residing abroad, a figure closely comparable to that of the Malian diaspora.

Driss Isbayène articulated that «both nations confront a similar challenge: successfully maintaining their diaspora’s connection to their homeland, but crucially, encouraging them to invest more significantly 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 her gratitude for Mali’s hospitality, stating: «since I have lived in Mali, I have never felt isolated». She further added that «this initiative empowers us to develop ourselves and promote our products».

Habib Sylla, President of the High Council of Malians Abroad, recalled the powerful words of the Transitional President, Army General Assimi Goïta, delivered during an audience granted to the diaspora following the first FID edition. President Goïta had declared: «do not hesitate to come and invest in your home country. I remain fully available to support you in case of any obstacles; my door remains wide open».

For Habib Sylla, «this was the strongest signal the diaspora could have hoped for». He urged Malians living abroad to continue directing their investments towards promising sectors.

Mossa Ag Attaher, Minister of Malians Abroad and African Integration, affirmed that «the diaspora is by no means relegated to the periphery of the nation; 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 durably anchor Malians established abroad to their homeland, their institutions, and the vast horizons of our development».

Describing it as a genuine strategy for Mali’s economic, social, and institutional transformation, Prime Minister, Major General Abdoulaye Maïga, stated: «this vision reflects the ambition to build a sovereign, prosperous, resilient, and united nation by mobilizing all competencies, including those of our diaspora».

He further added that «this ambition also aligns with the dynamic of the Alliance of Sahel States, which offers a renewed space for economic integration, regional solidarity, and mutually beneficial cooperation. The Malian diaspora is called upon to play a leading role through its expertise, experience, networks, and investment capacity; it forms a vital link between Mali, the confederal space, and the rest of the world».