Mali’s mango industry contributes approximately 10 billion CFA francs ($16.5 million) to the country’s economy each year, according to figures presented by the Malian Mango Industry Interprofessional Association (IFM) during the first edition of Festi Mangue, held at the Palais de la Culture in Bamako.
Mali, the leading mango producer in Africa, generates an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 direct and indirect jobs annually through the industry, according to Cheikh Berthé, producer and administrative secretary of IFM.
Industry stakeholders say the sector faces several significant challenges despite its economic weight. Moctar Fofana, president of IFM, cited issues related to production, logistics, and urban expansion, saying:
“The sector is doing quite well, but several problems are holding us back. Production and logistics factors do not allow us to ship our products, even from the field to the city and from the city to other destinations. The expansion of cities also means that orchards are being destroyed to make way for homes.”
He also added that limited financial resources prevent the sector from scaling operations.
Stakeholders gathered at Festi Mangue for three days of discussions, exhibitions, and presentations to address industry challenges and explore growth opportunities, including product diversification.
Although Mali produces more than 575,000 tonnes of mangoes annually, less than 30 per cent of that volume was exported in 2024, according to the Interprofessional Association. IFM said it is working to boost both exports and local processing capacity.
“We must provide adequate, appropriate funding that will enable stakeholders to progress in promotion, processing, and even investment in general,” Fofana said.
The event’s promoter, Moussa Haïdara, said the festival aimed to promote the entire mango value chain and encourage engagement with the sector.
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