The Malian Ministry of Economy and Finance has directed all government departments to prioritize domestically manufactured goods in public procurement, requiring each ministry to earmark 100 million CFA francs in its 2026 budget for purchases from local producers.
In a circular signed by Economy and Finance Minister Alousséni Sanou, the government formalized a strategic shift toward supporting Malian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and boosting national production.
The directive aligns with recommendations from the National Refoundation Conference (ANR), particularly the promotion of the “Buy Malian” principle.
Under the measure, ministries are encouraged to source locally produced office furniture, food items such as tea and natural beverages, and hygiene products from domestic manufacturers.
If fully implemented, the policy could channel several billion CFA francs into local businesses, using public spending as a lever to strengthen economic sovereignty, reduce imports, and stimulate job creation.
While national preference clauses already existed under the Public Procurement Code, this marks the first time a fixed budgetary allocation has been imposed across all ministries.
Authorities acknowledge that effective implementation will depend on the capacity of local firms to meet quality and volume standards, as well as strict oversight to ensure transparency and fair competition.
Similar preference mechanisms operate in countries such as Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, and Ghana, though Mali’s approach stands out for its centralized and mandatory budgetary commitment.
