Mali and Morocco unite to harness diaspora power for productive investments

The second International Diaspora Forum (FID) is currently underway at the Bamako International Conference Centre (CICB), running from July 16 to 18, 2026. This year’s central theme is: «Malian Diaspora and Productive Investments: Building an Economically Strong Mali for Sustainable Development».

Morocco holds the distinguished position of guest of honor for this edition, signaling the authorities’ strong commitment to positioning the diaspora as a pivotal force in national economic growth. Prime Minister, Major General Abdoulaye Maïga, presided over the forum’s opening proceedings.

Driss Isbayène, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Mali, highlighted his nation’s comparable experience concerning its diaspora. He noted that Morocco has six million citizens residing abroad, a figure that mirrors the size of the Malian diaspora.

Ambassador Isbayène observed that «the two nations confront the identical challenge: successfully keeping their diaspora connected to their homeland, and crucially, encouraging them to increase investments in ventures that are economically profitable and beneficial to the national economy».

Alimatou Diallo, a Senegalese national who has lived in Mali for several years, expressed gratitude for Mali’s hospitality, stating, «since I began living in Mali, I have never felt isolated» She further emphasized, «this initiative empowers us to grow and promote our products».

Habib Sylla, President of the High Council of Malians Abroad, recalled the powerful words of Transition President, General Assimi Goïta, spoken during an audience with the diaspora after the first FID edition. President Goïta had urged them, «do not hesitate to come and invest in your homeland. I remain fully available to assist you should any obstacles arise; my door is always wide open».

For Mr. Sylla, «this represents the strongest signal the diaspora could have hoped for». He called upon Malians living abroad to persistently invest in burgeoning sectors.

Mossa Ag Attaher, Minister of Malians Abroad and African Integration, asserted that «the diaspora is by no means relegated to the nation’s periphery; it beats at the very heart of its destiny». He further introduced «Diaspora Hub» as an initiative that «transcends the simple concept of a digital platform. It represents a meticulously designed digital infrastructure, intended to permanently anchor Malians living abroad to their homeland, their institutions, and the vast horizons of our national development».

Outlining a genuine strategy for Mali’s economic, social, and institutional transformation, Prime Minister, Major General Abdoulaye Maïga, declared that «this vision embodies the ambition to construct a sovereign, prosperous, resilient, and united nation by mobilizing all available expertise, including that of our diaspora».

He added that «this ambition also aligns with the momentum of the Alliance of Sahel States, which provides a renewed framework for economic integration, regional solidarity, and mutually beneficial cooperation. The Malian diaspora is called upon to play a leading role through its expertise, experience, networks, and investment capacity, serving as a vital link between Mali, the confederal region, and the broader global community».