Legal framework for free zones in Mali
Mali has established a regulatory framework for free zones through Law No. 2019-061 of December 27, 2019 on the creation and organization of Special Economic Zones (SEZs). This legislation is part of the investment policy harmonization dynamics within ECOWAS.
Malian free zones are governed by the Mali Investment Promotion Agency (API-Mali), created in 2005 and restructured to supervise these special regimes. API-Mali centralizes approval procedures and monitors beneficiary companies.
Types of special economic zones
Export processing zones
- Designed for production activities oriented toward export
- Minimum 80% of production must be exported
- Eligible sectors: textile, agri-food, assembly, services
- Preferred location near transport corridors
Service free zones
- Offshore financial services
- Information and communication technologies
- Logistics and transit services
- Call centers and digital services
Mixed free zones
These zones combine production and service activities, with increased flexibility for investors wishing to diversify their operations.
Tax and customs advantages
Preferential tax regime
- Industrial and commercial profits tax (BIC): reduced rate of 15% instead of 30%
- Value-added tax (VAT): exemption on imported equipment and raw materials
- Minimum flat-rate tax (IMF): suspension during first years of operation
- Registration fees: 50% reduction on incorporation documents
Customs advantages
- Total exemption from customs duties on production equipment
- Suspension of duties on imported raw materials
- Simplified customs procedures with one-stop shop
- Duty-free storage in free zones
Other incentives
- Free repatriation of capital and profits
- Foreign exchange freedom within BCEAO regulations
- Authorization to employ expatriate staff (percentage to be verified)
- Accelerated administrative procedures
Special investment regimes
Investment Code
The Mali Investment Code, revised in 2012, establishes three preferential regimes:
- Regime A: Investments of 50 to 250 million XOF
- Import duties and taxes exemption: 3 years
- Profit tax exemption: 3 years
- Regime B: Investments of 250 million to 1 billion XOF
- Import duties and taxes exemption: 5 years
- Profit tax exemption: 5 years
- Regime C: Investments over 1 billion XOF
- Import duties and taxes exemption: 7 years
- Profit tax exemption: 7 years
Priority sectors
The Malian government grants enhanced advantages to investments in:
- Agriculture and agri-food processing
- Mining and geology (under specific mining regime)
- Renewable energy
- Information technology
- Tourism and hospitality
- Transport infrastructure
Approval procedures
Application dossier
Companies wishing to benefit from free zone status must submit a dossier including:
- Technical and financial feasibility study
- Detailed financing plan
- Job creation forecasts
- Project implementation schedule
- Commitment to respect environmental standards
Timeframes and conditions
- Processing time: 45 working days (to be verified)
- Approval validity: 20 years renewable
- Minimum investment: 100 million XOF (to be verified)
- Minimum employment: 10 permanent jobs (to be verified)
Obligations of approved companies
Tax obligations
- Maintaining accounts in compliance with the West African Accounting System (SYSCOA)
- Periodic declarations to API-Mali
- Respect of export quotas for export processing zones
- Annual audit by an approved statutory auditor
Social obligations
- Compliance with Malian Labor Code
- Social contributions to INPS (National Social Security Institute)
- Local staff training
- Compliance with safety and hygiene standards
Existing free zones and projects
Main operational zones
- Bamako Industrial Zone: manufacturing and assembly activities
- Transit zones: along Bamako-Dakar and Bamako-Abidjan corridors
- Agri-food specialized zone projects (exact locations to be verified)
Available infrastructure
Malian free zones generally benefit from:
- Priority electrical connection
- Telecommunications access
- On-site customs services
- Enhanced security
- Storage and logistics facilities
Challenges and prospects
Current challenges
- High cost of electrical energy
- Geographic landlocking and transport costs
- Security instability in certain regions
- Need for infrastructure strengthening
Opportunities
- Strategic geographic position in West Africa
- ECOWAS market of over 300 million inhabitants
- Abundant natural resources
- Young and growing workforce
- Currency stability (XOF pegged to Euro)
Note: Some specific information requires verification with API-Mali to obtain the most recent data concerning investment thresholds and processing times.