Although Mali is eager to attract foreign investment, it remains a difficult place to do business.  Successful ventures tend to be those that establish strong local partnerships, and many firms find that visiting Mali is important to assess conditions and make contact with potential business partners.  However, security concerns, particularly in northern and central Mali, have limited business and tourist travel to Mali since 2012.  Before planning any in-person travel to Mali, U.S. citizens are urged to read the current Department of State Travel Advisory for Mali, and the latest alerts and messages for citizens at  https://ml.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/security-and-travel-information/

Mali’s Investment Promotion Agency (API-Mali) serves as a one-stop shop for prospective investors and caters to both Malian and foreign enterprises of all sizes.  API-Mali’s website (https://apimali.gov.ml/) provides information on business registration, investment opportunities, tax incentives, and other topics relevant to prospective investors.  Prospective investors may also contact the U.S. Embassy’s economic/commercial unit (BamakoEcon@state.gov) for information about doing business in Mali and commercial services available for U.S. companies (such as the Gold Key business matchmaking service).  Mali’s new American Chamber of Commerce can also serve as a useful resource (https://www.amcham-mali.org/).