Mali: cost of living

Are food prices rising in Mali?

Food and non-alcoholic drink prices in Mali were 5.8% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, according to the INSTAT consumer price index. Cereals were 5.0% cheaper than a year earlier, while tubers and plantains were 8.2% dearer. Food prices fell 0.3% between August and September.

Diesel prices in the index were 29.9% higher than a year earlier, pushing transport costs up 11.1%. Food has a weight of 45% in the index, so it drives overall inflation, which was 3.4% in September 2026. INSTAT publishes the index monthly; the September figures were released on 10 October 2026.

Official sources: INSTAT: Harmonised consumer price index, September 2026 (PDF)

How much is petrol in Mali?

Super petrol cost 875 CFA francs a litre at the pump in Mali in August 2026, and diesel 940 CFA francs a litre, according to the BCEAO Monthly Statistical Bulletin, August 2026. Both prices rose in March 2026, from 775 and 725 CFA francs a litre.

The BCEAO publishes monthly pump prices for all eight UEMOA member states. In August 2026 Mali had the highest diesel price in the union, while Senegal (990), Côte d'Ivoire (905) and Guinea-Bissau (899) had higher super petrol prices. INSTAT's consumer price index shows the effect: diesel was 29.9% dearer in September 2026 than a year earlier.

Official sources: BCEAO: Monthly Statistical Bulletin, August 2026 (PDF) · INSTAT: Harmonised consumer price index, September 2026 (PDF)

How much do households in Mali spend?

Households in Mali spent an average of 887,252 CFA francs on consumption in the second quarter of 2026, or 148,042 CFA francs per person, according to the INSTAT EMOP survey, second round. Urban households spent 1,184,478 CFA francs on average and rural households 761,793.

Food and non-alcoholic drinks took 73.7% of household spending, 78.2% in rural areas and 66.8% in towns. Total household consumption reached 3,091.2 billion CFA francs in the quarter, 4.9% more than in the first quarter. The figures cover April to June 2026, so they reflect seasonal patterns of that period.

Official sources: INSTAT: EMOP 2026, second round summary report (PDF)

What is the VAT rate in Mali?

The standard rate of value added tax (TVA) in Mali is 18%, with a reduced rate of 5% for certain listed products, according to Article 229 of the General Tax Code published by the Directorate General of Taxes (DGI).

The 5% rate applies to the goods and services listed in the relevant section of the code; all other taxable goods and services not exempted under Article 195 pay 18%. The DGI also lists a general solidarity contribution of 0.5%, calculated on the same basis as VAT. The online code is updated by finance laws, so check the article notes for the latest changes.

Official sources: DGI Mali: General Tax Code (VAT section)

What is the poverty rate in Mali?

45.5% of Mali's population lived below the national poverty line in 2021, according to World Bank data based on the national household living conditions survey (EHCVM). On the international extreme poverty line, the rate was 36.1% in 2021, according to the international poverty series.

The national line reflects the cost of a basic basket of needs in Mali, while the international line is a fixed amount per person per day in purchasing power parity terms. INSTAT's EMOP survey also measures subjective poverty, asking households how they see their own situation.

Official sources: World Bank: Poverty at national poverty lines, Mali · World Bank: Poverty at international poverty line, Mali

How fast are prices rising in Mali?

In 2025, consumer price inflation in Mali was 3.3%, according to the IMF. Since 2005 it has ranged from -1.8% (2016) to 9.6% (2022). Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 3.4%, and Mali placed 22nd highest of 39. World rank, highest first: 78th of 165.

What is household spending per person in Mali?

According to the World Bank, household consumption per person in Mali was $683 in 2025. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Sub-Saharan Africa median: $840; Mali is 22nd highest of 37. World rank, highest first: 109th of 124.

What is the extreme poverty rate in Mali?

According to the World Bank, the share of people living on less than $3.00 a day in Mali was 36.1% in 2021. That compares with 63.3% in 2009. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 38.6%; Mali is 8th highest of 13. Of 80 countries with 2021 data, 8th highest.

What is the poverty rate in Mali?

The World Bank puts the share of people below the national poverty line in Mali at 45.5% in 2021. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 41.2%, and Mali placed 4th highest of 13. Worldwide: 5th of 72.

What is income inequality in Mali?

According to the World Bank, the Gini index in Mali was 35.7 in 2021. It was 33.0 in 2009. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 36.2; Mali is 8th highest of 13. Of 80 countries with 2021 data, 29th highest.

What is food insecurity in Mali?

The latest figure from the FAO, for 2024, is 20.6%. Since 2017 it has ranged from 20.0% (2022) to 25.9% (2017). Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 60.5%, and Mali placed 34th highest of 34. Of 135 countries with 2024 data, 69th highest.