Improving Business Environment in Mali: Key Recommendations from the Country Private Sector Diagnostic

Mali’s economy is poised for growth, with the Country Private Sector Diagnostic (CPSD) highlighting key areas that require attention to boost the business environment.

Transport Infrastructure

• Upgrade and maintain key transport corridors through long-term Public-Private Partnership (PPP) contracts.
• Focus on the northern Dakar-Bamako road corridor to increase connectivity and efficiency.

Digital Infrastructure

• Address regulatory barriers to increased investments in digital infrastructure at wholesale and infrastructure-sharing levels.
• Harmonize digital infrastructure across Mali’s territory for seamless connectivity and access.

Access to Finance

• Remove constraints from both supply and demand sides of the financial sector.
• Leverage mobile money and digital financial services to increase financial inclusion.
• Revitalize the microfinance sector through strengthened governance and capabilities.
• Reactivate the Private Sector Guarantee Fund as a platform for liquidity-starved MSMEs.

Key Recommendations

• Improve the tax framework by streamlining procedures, introducing dematerialization of processes, and increasing fiscal transparency.
• Address regulatory barriers to increased investments in digital infrastructure.
• Harmonize digital infrastructure across Mali’s territory.
• Revitalize the microfinance sector through strengthened governance and capabilities.
• Reactivate the Private Sector Guarantee Fund as a platform for liquidity-starved MSMEs.

By addressing these areas, the government of Mali can improve its business environment and stimulate private sector growth.