Mali: economy

What is the GDP growth rate of Mali?

Mali's real GDP was 8.7% higher in the second quarter of 2026 than a year earlier, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) quarterly GDP tables, after growth of 9.6% in the first quarter. Industry grew by 11.6% and services by 9.1% in the second quarter.

INSTAT's quarterly figures compare chained volumes with the same quarter of the previous year. For full years, the IMF World Economic Outlook (October 2026) estimates growth of 4.9% in 2025 and projects 5.5% in 2026. Quarterly estimates are provisional and can be revised when annual accounts are compiled.

Official sources: INSTAT: Quarterly GDP tables, Q2 2026 (xlsx) · IMF DataMapper: Real GDP growth, Mali

What is the inflation rate in Mali?

Consumer prices in Mali were 3.4% higher in September 2026 than a year earlier, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) harmonised consumer price index. Prices were unchanged between August and September 2026, and rose 1.4% over the three months to September.

The harmonised index (IHPC, base 2023) uses the method shared by all eight UEMOA states and is the official inflation measure. It follows 766 items in 4,927 outlets, with weights from the 2021 household living conditions survey. Food and non-alcoholic drinks, with 45% of the weight, were 5.8% dearer than a year earlier, and transport 11.1% dearer.

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

What is the interest rate in Mali?

The main policy rate for Mali, the BCEAO minimum bid rate, is 3.00%, and the marginal lending rate is 5.00%, both in force since 16 March 2026, according to the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO).

Mali uses the CFA franc and shares the BCEAO with the other UEMOA states, so the rates are the same across the union. The minimum bid rate is the lowest rate banks can bid at the BCEAO's liquidity auctions, and the marginal lending rate applies to overnight borrowing from the central bank. Rates charged by banks to customers are higher; the BCEAO publishes them in its monthly statistical bulletin.

Official sources: BCEAO: Main indicators and policy rates

What is the GDP per capita of Mali?

Mali's GDP per capita was about US$1,238 in 2025 at current prices, according to the IMF World Economic Outlook (October 2026), up from about US$1,096 in 2024. The IMF projects about US$1,343 in 2026.

Per capita figures divide GDP by the population; INSTAT's 2022 census (RGPH5) counted 22,395,489 people, as shown on the INSTAT home page. Dollar values also move with the euro-dollar exchange rate, because the CFA franc is pegged to the euro, so they can change even when output in CFA francs does not.

Official sources: IMF DataMapper: GDP per capita, Mali · INSTAT Mali home page

How fast is Mali's economy growing?

In 2025, real GDP growth in Mali was 5.6%, according to the World Bank. Since 2005 it has ranged from -1.2% (2020) to 6.5% (2014). Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 4.6%, and Mali placed 18th highest of 46. World rank, highest first: 38th of 180.

How rich is Mali per person?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is $1,193. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was $1,351, and Mali placed 28th highest of 46. World rank, highest first: 162nd of 180.

How does Mali's income per person compare after prices?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is $3,503 in international dollars. No year since 2005 has been higher. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was $4,425 in international dollars, and Mali placed 31st highest of 46. World rank, highest first: 162nd of 179.

How big are Mali's exports?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is 22.1% of GDP. Since 2005 it has ranged from 17.4% of GDP (2009) to 26.0% of GDP (2022). Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 26.1% of GDP, and Mali placed 21st highest of 38. Worldwide: 100th of 133.

Does Mali earn more abroad than it spends?

The IMF puts the current account balance in Mali at -4.3% of GDP in 2024, a deficit. Since 2005 it has ranged from -9.4% of GDP (2010) to -1.8% of GDP (2020). It is 19th highest of 36 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is -4.2% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 116th of 162.

How much foreign direct investment goes into Mali?

According to the IMF, net inflows of foreign direct investment in Mali was 2.8% of GDP in 2025. Its high point since 2005 was 2009, at 5.3% of GDP; its low point was 2014, at 0.8% of GDP. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 2.0% of GDP, and Mali placed 19th highest of 46. Worldwide: 68th of 179.

How high are loan rates in Mali?

The IMF puts the average bank lending rate in Mali at 5.3% in 2016. Since 2005 it has ranged from 4.7% (2006) to 8.7% (2005). Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 11.6%, and Mali placed 28th highest of 35. Worldwide: 100th of 128.