India, Mali Launch Trade Forum as Bilateral Commerce Jumps 55 Percent

July 4, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

India and Mali have launched their first joint forum dedicated to promoting exports and investment, as the two countries seek to deepen commercial ties following a sharp rise in bilateral trade.

The inaugural India–Mali Forum for the Promotion of Exports was held over two days in Bamako under the theme "Reinforcing Trade and Strategic Partnerships." The event brought together senior government officials and about 30 Indian business executives to explore new investment opportunities and expand trade cooperation.

Bilateral trade between the two countries exceeded 326.61 million US dollars in India's 2025/26 financial year, an increase of 55 percent from the previous year. Mali exports raw cotton, finished leather, cashew, lead, gum arabic and sesame to India, while India supplies pharmaceuticals, cotton fabrics, bicycles, and two and three wheelers. India said its Duty-Free Tariff Preference Scheme has played a key role in supporting trade growth.

Despite the increase, officials noted that significant room remains for expansion. Of Mali's approximately 4 billion US dollars in global exports, an estimated 3.96 billion US dollars in export potential to the Indian market remains untapped.

The forum was jointly organised by Mali's Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Embassy of India in Bamako and the Malian Agency for the Promotion of Exports (APEX-Mali). It was presided over by Prime Minister of the Transition Government Major General Abdoulaye Maïga. India's delegation was led by Amit Kumar, Joint Secretary for Foreign Trade Africa at the Department of Commerce, while Indian Ambassador N. Nandakumar participated throughout the event.

Alongside the forum, participants held business to business, business to government and government to government meetings focused on renewable energy, mining, pharmaceuticals, textiles and automotive manufacturing. Delegates also visited exhibition stands displaying Indian products, including Sonalika tractors and vehicles manufactured by Mahindra and Tata Motors.

During meetings with Mali's Minister of Industry and Trade, Moussa Alassane Diallo, APEX-Mali presented investment ready business proposals for international investors. The Indian delegation also met Prime Minister Maïga during the visit.

The two sides identified cotton and textiles, mining, energy, agro industry, shea processing, pharmaceuticals, health and education as priority sectors for future cooperation. Mali requested India's support to digitise its certificate of origin system and speed up the registration of Indian pharmaceutical products, while India called for a review of Mali's shea nut export ban and stressed the importance of protecting Indian nationals and investments.

The forum concluded with Mali reaffirming its commitment to improving the business environment and positioning itself as an investment destination under its Vision Mali 2063 strategy. Officials also announced that Mali will host a dedicated international investment forum on December 3 and 4, 2026, where additional investment projects will be presented.

Source: FSX Business News