India and Mali Open New Trade Chapter with Inaugural Export Promotion Forum in Bamako

India and Mali have taken a major step towards deepening their economic partnership with the launch of the inaugural India–Mali Forum for the Promotion of Exports, held in Bamako under the theme “Reinforcing Trade and Strategic Partnerships.” The two-day forum marked the formal institutionalisation of a growing commercial relationship between the two countries and created a structured platform for expanding trade, investment and sectoral cooperation.

The forum was presided over by H.E. Major General Abdoulaye Maïga, Prime Minister of the Transition Government of Mali. It was jointly organised by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Mali, the Embassy of India in Bamako and the Malian Agency for the Promotion of Exports (APEX-Mali). Around 30 Indian business leaders participated in the event, with the Indian delegation led by Shri Amit Kumar, Joint Secretary, FT-Africa, Department of Commerce, Government of India. India’s Ambassador to Mali, H.E. Dr. N. Nandakumar, represented the Mission throughout the programme.

The forum comes at a time when India–Mali trade is showing strong momentum. Bilateral trade crossed US$326.61 million in FY 2025–26, recording 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 to Mali.

India’s Duty-Free Tariff Preference Scheme has played an important role in strengthening this trade relationship. With Mali’s global exports valued at nearly US$4 billion, the untapped export potential in the Indian market is estimated at around US$3.96 billion, highlighting the large scope for future growth.

The opening session was followed by visits to Indian and Malian exhibition stands, where products such as Sonalika tractors and vehicles manufactured by Mahindra and Tata Motors were showcased. The delegations then participated in focused Business-to-Business, Business-to-Government and Government-to-Government meetings aimed at converting trade opportunities into commercial partnerships and formal agreements.

Discussions covered several high-potential sectors, including renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, textiles, automotive manufacturing and mining. On the second day, the Indian delegation met Mali’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Mr. Moussa Alassane Diallo. APEX-Mali also presented ready-made business plans offering immediate investment opportunities for Indian and international investors. The delegation later called on the Prime Minister of the Transition Government of Mali.

Both countries identified cotton and textiles, mining and energy, agro-industry and shea processing, pharmaceuticals, health, education and social infrastructure as priority areas for deeper cooperation. Mali expressed interest in India’s support for digitising its Certificate of Origin system and in accelerating the registration of approved Indian pharmaceutical products. India, in turn, sought reconsideration of Mali’s shea-nut export ban and underlined the importance of safeguarding Indian nationals and investments in the country.

The forum was positioned as the beginning of a long-term economic partnership between India and Mali. Mali reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the business environment and promoting itself as a strategic investment hub for West Africa under its Vision Mali 2063 roadmap.

As a concrete follow-up, Mali announced that it will host a dedicated Investment Forum on 3–4 December 2026, where additional bankable projects will be presented to international investors. The announcement adds a clear forward-looking dimension to the India–Mali economic engagement and opens new possibilities for Indian companies seeking opportunities in West Africa.

Source: PIB