The International Conference Center of Bamako (CICB) is currently hosting the second edition of the International Diaspora Forum (FID) from July 16 to 18, 2026. This year’s gathering centers on the crucial theme: «Malian diaspora and productive investments: building an economically strong Mali for sustainable development».
Morocco holds the esteemed position of guest of honor for this edition, a testament to the shared ambition of both nations’ authorities to transform their respective diasporas into pivotal drivers of national economic growth. Major General Abdoulaye Maïga, the Prime Minister, presided over the forum’s opening proceedings.
Driss Isbayène, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Mali, highlighted his country’s comparable journey with its diaspora. He noted that Morocco has approximately six million citizens residing abroad, a figure that mirrors the size of the Malian diaspora.
Ambassador Isbayène articulated that «both nations confront a similar challenge: successfully maintaining their diaspora’s connection to their homeland, and more importantly, 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 the country’s hospitality, stating: «since I have lived in Mali, I have never felt isolated». She further emphasized that «this initiative empowers us to grow and promote our products».
Habib Sylla, President of the High Council for Malians Established Abroad, recalled the powerful words spoken by the President of the Transition, General of the Army Assimi Goïta, during an audience granted to the diaspora after the inaugural 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 was the strongest signal the diaspora could have hoped for». He subsequently called upon Malians living abroad to continue channeling their investments into promising sectors.
Mossa Ag Attaher, the Minister of Malians Established Abroad and African Integration, firmly asserted that «the diaspora is by no means relegated to the nation’s periphery; it beats at the very heart of its destiny». He further elaborated that «Diaspora Hub transcends the simple dimension of a digital platform. It represents a meticulously designed digital infrastructure intended to sustainably anchor Malians living abroad to their homeland, their institutions, and the vast horizons of our development».
Describing it as a genuine strategy for Mali’s economic, social, and institutional transformation, Prime Minister Major General Abdoulaye Maïga declared: «this vision reflects the ambition to build a sovereign, prosperous, resilient, and unified nation by mobilizing all competencies, including those of our diaspora».
He added that «this ambition also aligns with the dynamic of the Alliance des États du Sahel, 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 vital link between Mali, the confederal space, and the rest of the world».
