Mali Council of Ministers Approves Tax Exemption Expansion, Defense Law, and International Loan Agreement
The Malian Council of Ministers convened on June 25, 2026, under the chairmanship of Army General Assimi Goïta, President of the Transition and Head of State, to deliberate on a series of legislative and regulatory measures, appointments, and communications. The session, held at the Koulouba Palace, resulted in the adoption of significant draft texts aimed at enhancing the nation’s fiscal framework, bolstering its defense and security apparatus, and facilitating international cooperation.
In the realm of legislative and regulatory measures, the Council adopted a draft decree to amend Decree No. 2018-0595/P-RM of July 24, 2018. This amendment seeks to broaden the scope of tax and customs exemptions, originally established by Law No. 2017-022 of June 12, 2017. The initial implementing decree had limited exemptions to contracts and procurement, but the revised draft decree will extend these benefits to all acts that may incur registration and stamp duties, notably including the registration of vehicles for certain public officials. This move is intended to address shortcomings identified during the decree’s implementation and align with the national fiscal transition program’s objectives of rationalizing and reducing exemptions.
Furthermore, a draft law concerning the general organization of Defense and Security was approved. This legislation is designed to update the existing framework, Law No. 04-051 of November 23, 2004, to address the evolving geopolitical and geostrategic environment and contemporary security challenges. The reforms aim to strengthen Mali’s defense and security apparatus in response to observed application shortcomings in the current law.
In a move to empower the executive branch, a draft law was adopted to authorize the Government to enact certain measures by ordinance. This authorization, in line with Articles 121 of the Constitution and 13 of the Charter of Transition, will enable the Government to implement its action plan between the closing of the ordinary session on April 13, 2026, and the opening of the next session on October 5, 2026. The empowered measures include the creation and control of public services, organization of production, personnel statutes, and international treaties and agreements.
On the international cooperation front, draft texts were adopted for the ratification of a Loan Agreement signed in Lomé on April 29, 2026, between the Government of Mali and the West African Development Bank. This agreement provides a loan of 15 billion CFA francs for the partial financing of the Kourouba Hydroelectric Power Plant Construction Project and its integration into the Société Energie du Mali’s electricity grid. The project is anticipated to improve living conditions through increased and more affordable electricity access.
In individual measures, Colonel-major Abdoulaye Ibrahima TRAORE was appointed Director of Finance and Equipment of the Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs.
Under communications, the Council took note of the National Strategy to Combat Begging and its 2026-2028 Action Plan. This strategy, developed to address the growing phenomenon of begging and its repercussions on child protection, social cohesion, and national stability, adopts a comprehensive approach encompassing prevention, protection, socio-economic inclusion, and the promotion of inclusive education.
The Minister of State, Minister of Economy and Finance, reported on the 5th Session of the Board of Governors of the African Solidarity Fund, held in Bamako on June 25, 2026. The session focused on reviewing the 2025 financial year accounts and making strategic decisions for the Fund’s future. As of December 31, 2025, the Fund’s interventions for Malian companies and economic operators amounted to 964.782 billion CFA francs in guarantees, mobilizing 1.609 billion CFA francs.
Mali’s election to the Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO on June 18, 2026, was also communicated. This position grants Mali a voice in inscription decisions, resource allocation from the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund, and the accreditation of non-governmental organizations.
The Minister of Energy and Water presented the conclusions of the 64th Extraordinary Session of the Council of Ministers of the Organization for the Development of the Senegal River (OMVS), held in Bamako on June 20, 2026. Discussions centered on the governance of OMVS system companies, maintenance of energy facilities, the Senegal River navigation project, and institutional matters.
The Minister of Industry and Commerce reported on the 4th Meeting of Ministers responsible for Industry and Commerce and the Private Sector of the Confederation of Sahel States, held in Ouagadougou on June 15, 2026. The meeting reviewed the implementation of the Confederation’s roadmap and revised the 2026 priority action plan, adopting terms of reference for an investment directive, a quality infrastructure framework, and measures against fraud. Private sector representatives recommended the establishment of a business climate observatory and an Inter-State Road Transit guarantee.
Finally, the Minister of Environment, Sanitation, and Sustainable Development informed the Council of the 27th Edition of the Environment Fortnight, held in Bamako from June 4 to 17, 2026. The event, themed around the climate crisis and solutions for a sustainable future, and pastures for combating desertification and drought, brought together environment ministers from the Confederation of Sahel States.
