Mali: 2025 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Mali

The 2025 Article IV Consultation discusses that Mali’s economy has shown some resilience despite significant headwinds. Economic growth is expected to reach 5 percent in 2025, supported by strong agricultural production, the start of lithium extraction and continued growth in services. Gross domestic product is expected to expand by 5 percent in 2025, lifted by stronger primary and service-sector output but held back by the gold-mine shutdown, aid cutbacks, and heightened global and domestic uncertainty. With fiscal revenues curtailed, aid flows sharply reduced, and uncertainty high, Mali is forced to do more with less. This means calibrating fiscal tightening that protects growth and shield the poor, stepping up domestic revenue mobilization, improving the quality of spending, and avoiding policy missteps that could exacerbate the situation and jeopardize future growth prospects. Meeting these needs entails clearing structural bottlenecks, managing risks, and re-engaging development partners for concessional support.