The second annual International Diaspora Forum (FID) is currently underway at the International Conference Center of Bamako (CICB), running from July 16 to 18, 2026. This year’s crucial theme is centered on «Malian Diaspora and Productive Investments: Building an Economically Strong Mali for Sustainable Development».
Morocco stands as the honored guest country for this edition, a clear signal of the authorities’ commitment to positioning their diaspora as a pivotal force in national economic advancement. The forum’s opening proceedings were led by Prime Minister, Major General Abdoulaye Maïga.
Driss Isbayène, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Mali, highlighted his nation’s parallel journey with its diaspora. He noted that Morocco has approximately six million citizens residing abroad, a figure closely mirroring that of the Malian diaspora.
Ambassador Isbayène emphasized that «both countries confront the identical challenge: successfully maintaining their diaspora’s connection to their homeland, and crucially, encouraging them to increase their investments in ventures that are economically profitable and beneficial to the national economy».
Alimatou Diallo, a Senegalese national who has resided in Mali for several years, expressed her gratitude for Mali’s warm reception. «Since I started living in Mali, I have never felt isolated,» she shared, adding 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 words of Transition President, General of the Army Assimi Goïta, delivered during an audience with the diaspora following the first FID. President Goïta had urged: «Do not hesitate to come and invest in your homeland. I remain fully available to support you in case of any obstacles; my door is always open».
For Habib Sylla, this message represented «the strongest signal the diaspora could have hoped for». He called upon Malians living abroad to continue directing their investments into promising sectors.
Mossa Ag Attaher, the Minister of Malians Abroad and African Integration, firmly asserted that «the diaspora is by no means relegated to the nation’s periphery; it pulsates at the very heart of its destiny». He further detailed that «Diaspora Hub transcends the mere concept of a digital platform. It represents a meticulously designed digital infrastructure, intended to permanently anchor Malians living abroad to their homeland, its institutions, and the vast horizons of our development».
As a genuine strategy for Mali’s economic, social, and institutional transformation, Prime Minister, Major General Abdoulaye Maïga, declared that: «this vision reflects the ambition to build a sovereign, prosperous, resilient, and united nation by mobilizing all competencies, including those of our diaspora».
He concluded by adding that «this ambition also aligns with the dynamic of the Alliance of Sahel States, which provides a renewed space for economic integration, regional solidarity, and mutually beneficial cooperation. The Malian diaspora is called upon to play a leading role through its expertise, experience, networks, and investment capacity, serving as a crucial link between Mali, the confederal space, and the wider world».
