IMF Forecasts Mali's GDP Growth at 5.5% in 2026

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts Mali's GDP growth at 5.5% in 2026. This was stated in an IMF press release.

According to the fund's data, the country's economic growth will follow projected increases in gold production and a stabilization of the security situation against the backdrop of the recent fuel crisis in the country.

"In 2025, Mali faced significant challenges, including fuel supply disruptions caused by terrorist attacks and a contraction in gold production, which led to a slowdown in economic growth. The economy is expected to begin recovering in 2026, supported by an expansion in gold output and gradual improvements in security conditions. GDP growth is projected to reach 5.5% in 2026, while inflation is expected to decline to 2.5%," the statement reads.

However, the IMF warns that significant downside risks to the projected growth rate remain.

In November, the Canadian company Barrick Mining and the government of Mali reached an agreement to settle a dispute over the Loulo-Gounkoto gold mining complex. During the discussions, Malian authorities agreed to extend the company's mining license by 10 years. Originally, the document was set to expire in February 2026.

Conflict Between Malian Authorities and Barrick
In October, Mali's state-owned company SOREM signed an agreement with the American company Flagship to resume mining at the Morila gold mine—one of the country's largest deposits.

In September, the government of Mali approved seven agreements with foreign mining companies to enable the state to derive greater revenues from mineral extraction. The deals were concluded in accordance with the new Mining Code, which guarantees the state a 35% stake in projects, not subject to reduction. This equity package allows Mali to have priority access to dividends. Previously, the state's share was only 20%.