Business Environment in Mali
Mali, a member of ECOWAS and WAEMU, offers a favorable framework for investors thanks to its strategic position in West Africa. With a stable currency (CFA franc - XOF) and a market of over 20 million inhabitants, the country attracts many entrepreneurs.
According to the World Bank's Doing Business report, Mali ranks among the economies with constant improvement for ease of doing business in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Legal Forms of Business
Sole Proprietorship
Sole proprietorship is the simplest form to start a commercial activity in Mali.
- Minimum capital: No minimum capital required
- Liability: Unlimited on personal assets
- Tax regime: Synthetic tax or real regime depending on turnover
- Advantages: Simplified formalities, reduced costs
Limited Liability Company (SARL)
SARL is the most popular legal form among Malian SMEs.
- Minimum capital: 1,000,000 CFA francs (to be verified)
- Number of partners: 2 to 50 partners
- Liability: Limited to contributions
- Management: One or more managers
Public Limited Company (SA)
Recommended for large companies and major projects.
- Minimum capital: 10,000,000 CFA francs
- Number of shareholders: Minimum 7 shareholders
- Management: Board of directors and general manager
- Obligations: Mandatory auditor
Single-Person Limited Liability Company (SUARL)
Created by Law No. 96-061 of November 4, 1996, this form allows a single person to create a company.
- Minimum capital: 1,000,000 CFA francs (to be verified)
- Single partner: Natural or legal person
- Advantages: Limited liability, separate assets
Organizations and One-Stop Shops
API-Mali (Investment Promotion Agency of Mali)
API-Mali is the main one-stop shop for business creation in Mali. It centralizes most administrative formalities.
Services offered:
- Reservation and filing of company name
- Registration with the Trade and Movable Credit Register (RCCM)
- Obtaining Tax Identification Number (NIF)
- Declaration to CNSS (National Social Security Fund)
Other Important Organizations
- National Directorate of Trade and Competition (DNCC)
- Tax Center
- Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Mali
- CNSS for social obligations
Business Creation Steps
Phase 1: File Preparation
- Choice of company name
- Availability check with RCCM
- Name reservation (duration: 6 months)
- Drafting articles of incorporation
- By private deed or notarial act
- Mandatory mentions according to Commercial Companies Code
- Opening a bank account
- Deposit of minimum share capital
- Obtaining certificate of blocked funds
Phase 2: Administrative Formalities
- File submission to API-Mali
- Completed M0 form
- Articles of incorporation in 4 copies
- Certificate of blocked funds
- Identity documents of directors
- Minutes of directors' appointment
- Payment of fees
- Registration fees
- RCCM registration fees
- Stamp duty (to verify amount)
Phase 3: Obtaining Documents
- RCCM Number: 3 to 5 working days
- NIF (Tax Identification Number): Immediate
- Tax existence declaration
- CNSS certificate
Creation Costs
Business creation fees in Mali include:
- Registration fees: Variable according to capital (to verify current rates)
- API-Mali fees: Approximately 50,000 to 100,000 CFA francs (to verify)
- Stamp duties: Variable
- Bank charges: According to institutions
- Notary fees: Optional but recommended
Total estimated budget: Between 200,000 and 500,000 CFA francs for a SARL (to verify according to current rates)
Post-Creation Obligations
Accounting Obligations
- Bookkeeping: According to OHADA accounting system
- Annual accounts filing: At court registry within 6 months
- Auditor: Mandatory for SAs
Tax Obligations
- Corporate Income Tax (IS): 30% rate (to verify)
- VAT: 18% on taxable operations
- Monthly and annual declarations
- Quarterly provisional payments
Social Obligations
- Employee declaration to CNSS
- Social security contributions payment: Employer and employee
- Compliance with Malian Labor Code
Growth Sectors and Incentives
Priority Sectors
- Agriculture and agro-industry
- Mining and extraction
- Information technology
- Tourism and hospitality
- Renewable energy
Tax Advantages
Mali's Investment Code provides several incentive regimes:
- Regime A: Partial exemption for small enterprises
- Regime B: Advantages for medium enterprises
- Regime C: Incentives for major projects
Practical Advice
- Use a professional: Lawyer or chartered accountant
- Choose location wisely: Free zones available
- Plan sufficient working capital
- Research financing options: Banks, microfinance, support programs
- Comply with sector-specific regulations for your activity