The second International Diaspora Forum (FID) is currently underway at the International Conference Centre of Bamako (CICB), running from July 16 to 18, 2026. This year’s crucial theme focuses on “Malian Diaspora and Productive Investments: Building an Economically Strong Mali for Sustainable Development.”
Morocco holds the esteemed position of guest of honor for this edition, signaling a clear commitment from authorities to position the diaspora as a pivotal force in national economic advancement. The forum’s opening sessions were notably chaired by Prime Minister, Major General Abdoulaye Maïga.
Driss Isbayène, the ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Mali, highlighted his nation’s parallel experiences with its diaspora. He noted that Morocco has approximately six million citizens residing abroad, a figure that closely mirrors the size of the Malian diaspora.
Isbayène further articulated that “both countries confront the identical challenge: successfully maintaining their diaspora’s connection to their homeland, and crucially, encouraging them to increase investments in ventures that are economically profitable and advantageous for the national economy.”
Alimatou Diallo, a Senegalese national who has resided in Mali for several years, expressed her gratitude for the nation’s hospitality. She shared, “Since I’ve lived in Mali, I have never felt isolated.” She added that “this initiative empowers us to grow and promote our products.”
Habib Sylla, President of the High Council of Malians Abroad, vividly recalled the powerful message delivered by the President of the Transition, General of the Army Assimi Goïta. During an audience with the diaspora following the inaugural FID, President Goïta had urged, “Do not hesitate to come and invest in your own country. I remain fully available to support you in case of any obstacles; my door is always wide open.”
For Sylla, “this represents the strongest signal the diaspora could have hoped for.” He extended an invitation to Malians residing abroad, encouraging them to continue channeling their investments into promising and high-growth sectors.
Mossa Ag Attaher, the Minister of Malians Abroad and African Integration, emphatically stated that “the diaspora is by no means relegated to the nation’s periphery; it pulsates at the very heart of its destiny.” He further elaborated that the “Diaspora Hub goes beyond merely being a digital platform. It represents a meticulously designed digital infrastructure, intended to permanently connect Malians living abroad with their homeland, its institutions, and the expansive opportunities for our development.”
Prime Minister, Major General Abdoulaye Maïga, characterized this initiative as a genuine strategy for Mali’s economic, social, and institutional transformation. He affirmed 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 also noted that “this aspiration is aligned 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 poised to play a pivotal role through its expertise, experience, networks, and investment capabilities, serving as a vital link between Mali, the confederal region, and the global community.”
