The National Council of Employers of Mali (CNPM) convened the meeting with the AfDB in Bamako on September 15.
About 100 representatives from businesses, professional associations, government institutions, financial organisations and development partners attended.
The meeting sought to help businesses understand AfDB financing products, eligibility requirements and costs while allowing companies to explain investment needs and obstacles to raising capital. “Private-sector development is a key driver of growth, investment and job creation,” AfDB Country Manager for Mali Cédric Achille Mbeng Mezui said.
“Our ambition is to help businesses better understand the instruments available and turn business opportunities into bankable projects that can attract the financing needed for their development.”
AfDB experts presented financing instruments available to private companies and explained the Bank’s approach to supporting investment.
Discussions covered blended finance, equity investment, political-risk guarantees, technical assistance, financing costs and disbursement timelines.
Participants also considered financing suited to public-private partnerships in renewable energy, agro-industry, transport, infrastructure and the cotton value chain.
CNPM President Mossadeck Bally said the meeting had helped bring businesses closer to financing mechanisms suited to their needs. “The priority now is to structure projects more effectively, direct project sponsors to the appropriate financing windows and support initiatives that can generate growth and jobs,” Bally said.
Bally urged businesses, financial institutions and public authorities to convert the discussions into practical measures supporting Mali’s economy.
Participants identified inadequate project preparation as one of the barriers preventing businesses from securing financing.
Stronger feasibility studies, credible financial plans and clearer risk-management arrangements could make proposed investments more attractive to lenders and private investors.
The initiative forms part of AfDB’s 2026-2031 Country Strategy for Mali, which places private-sector development and employment at the centre of economic transformation.
AfDB and CNPM agreed to continue engaging businesses, professional organisations, financial institutions and government bodies.
The discussions are expected to support the development of a pipeline of bankable projects capable of attracting investment, expanding Malian businesses and creating sustainable employment for young people and women.
–AfDB/ChannelAfrica–
