Thursday, April 17, 2025, Wencai Zhang, Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer of the World Bank Group, met with senior Malian officials to reaffirm and strengthen the institution’s partnership with Mali, focusing on long-term resilience, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
Held at the Prime Minister’s office in Bamako, the talks brought together Mr Zhang, Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maïga, and Minister of Economy and Finance Alousséni Sanou.
Discussions centred on reinforcing technical and financial support across multiple sectors, in alignment with Mali’s strategic vision for national renewal and development.
Mr Zhang welcomed the growing convergence between Mali’s priorities and the World Bank’s goals, highlighting shared commitment through the “Vision Mali kura ɲɛtaasira ka bɛn san 2063” and the 2024–2033 National Strategy for Sustainable Development and Emergence (SNEDD).
A major focal point of the discussions was Mali’s involvement in the 21st replenishment round of the International Development Association (IDA21), the World Bank’s fund for the poorest nations.
This initiative is geared toward mobilising significant financial resources for infrastructure, climate resilience, social protection, and governance.
As of March 31, 2025, the World Bank’s active portfolio in Mali includes 19 projects — 11 national and 8 regional — totalling $1.796 billion (roughly 1.078 trillion CFA francs).
The funded projects span critical sectors such as education, healthcare, rural development, governance, and infrastructure.
Among these is the vital rehabilitation of the 600km Sévaré-Gao road, a strategic transport artery connecting central Mali to its northern regions.
The $41.4 million (22.2 billion CFA francs) project aims to foster territorial cohesion and improve market access.
Work had been halted due to security concerns but will resume under the supervision of the military engineering corps once conditions allow.
The Prime Minister advocated for the resumption of the General Budget Support (ABG), currently on hold.
He reiterated the core principles set by transitional President Assimi Goïta for Mali’s external relations: respect for national sovereignty, respect for the strategic choices of partners, and prioritising the vital interests of the Malian people.
Mr Zhang praised the transparency and substance of the discussions and reaffirmed the World Bank’s ongoing commitment to Mali’s pursuit of sustainable, sovereign, and inclusive development, in collaboration with the broader international community.
