In Mali, Germany is held in high regard by both the government and the population as a dependable international partner. Many people in the country still recall that Germany was the first country to recognise Mali’s independence under international law in 1960.

Also after the coups in 2020 and 2021 and the end of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), in which Germany played a major role, Germany has maintained its engagement for security and stability in the country. The focus here is on addressing the structural causes of conflict.

The German Government is continuing its civilian support for Mali at grassroots level, including humanitarian assistance to alleviate acute hardship, as well as transitional development assistance to strengthen the resilience of the Malian population. Bilateral development cooperation and selected projects in the field of stabilisation are also ongoing.

The focus in the cultural sphere is on promoting the German language in Mali and supporting cultural centres and initiatives geared to young people.

The volume of bilateral trade between Germany and Mali is relatively insignificant. Despite the investment protection agreement of 1977, there has been little investment to date by German companies in Mali. This is due to the difficult business climate and the modest sales markets for industrial and capital goods in Mali.

Mali is a signatory of the Samoa Agreement with the European Union concluded on 15 November 2023. Germany also supports Mali within the framework of the EU’s renewed approach to the Sahel region, as well as UN projects and programmes.