Mali’s government has revised its 2025 Finance Law, announcing an upward adjustment in both revenue and expenditure forecasts, resulting in a notable reduction of the projected budget deficit by 40.8 billion CFA francs.
The Council of Ministers approved the revised draft law on August 6, reflecting the country’s ongoing efforts to balance pressing social and security needs amid political transition.
Under the updated financial framework, Mali anticipates total revenues of 2,739.697 billion CFA francs, up from the initial estimate of 2,648.900 billion — marking a 3.43% increase.
This growth is driven by contributions from the Modern Import Control Program, exceptional payments by telecommunications companies, and allocations from the Fund to Support Basic Infrastructure and Social Development Projects.
On the expenditure side, the revised budget climbs to 3,279.886 billion CFA francs, rising by 50 billion CFA francs or 1.55% from the original projection.
The additional funds are earmarked for critical infrastructure and social development initiatives, alongside a strategic reallocation of resources toward national security operations.
As a result, the expected deficit now stands at 540.189 billion CFA francs, down from 580.986 billion in the earlier Finance Act — a reduction of nearly 7%. This financial recalibration underscores Mali’s resolve to curb fiscal imbalances despite heightened spending pressures.
According to the International Monetary Fund’s April 2025 Regional Economic Outlook, Mali’s budget deficit reached 4.3% of GDP in 2024, with a forecasted decline to 3.4% in 2025. Meanwhile, the African Development Bank’s mid-year macroeconomic report highlights the persistent strain that security and social expenditures impose on the nation’s fiscal health.
This revision takes place against the backdrop of Mali’s political transition, as the country navigates internal reforms and deepens participation in regional cooperation frameworks. The government’s fiscal adjustments reflect an effort to maintain economic stability while addressing evolving domestic priorities.
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