The second edition of the International Diaspora Forum (FID) is being held at the Bamako International Conference Center (CICB) from July 16 to 18, 2026. This year’s theme is: “The Malian diaspora and productive investment: building an economically strong Mali for sustainable development.”
Morocco is the guest of honor at this year’s event, reflecting the authorities’ determination to make the diaspora a key player in the country’s economic development. The opening session was chaired by Prime Minister Gen. Abdoulaye Maïga.
According to Morocco’s ambassador to Mali, Driss Isbayène, his country shares a similar experience when it comes to its diaspora. He noted that Morocco has six million citizens living abroad, a figure comparable to that of the Malian diaspora.
Driss Isbayène believes that “the two countries face the same challenge: keeping their diasporas connected to their homeland, while encouraging them to invest more in economically viable projects that benefit the national economy.”
Alimatou Diallo, a Senegalese national who has been living in Mali for several years, expressed her gratitude for the country’s hospitality. “Since moving to Mali, I have never felt isolated,” she said, adding that “this initiative allows us to grow and promote our products.”
Habib Sylla, president of the High Council of Malians Abroad, still recalls the strong message delivered by Transitional President Gen. Assimi Goïta during a meeting with members of the diaspora following the first edition of the forum. He declared: “Do not hesitate to invest in your country. I remain fully available to support you in case of difficulties, and my door will always remain open.”
For Habib Sylla, “it was the strongest signal the diaspora could have hoped for.” He called on Malians living abroad to continue investing in promising sectors.
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Mossa Ag Attaher, minister for Malians abroad and African integration, stressed that “the diaspora is by no means relegated to the margins of the nation; it lies at the very heart of its destiny.” He added that “Diaspora Hub goes far beyond the concept of a simple digital platform. It is a genuine digital infrastructure, carefully designed to create lasting links between Malians abroad, their homeland, national institutions and the country’s vast development opportunities.”
Describing the initiative as a genuine strategy for Mali’s economic, social and institutional transformation, Prime Minister Gen. Abdoulaye Maïga stated: “This vision reflects the ambition to build a sovereign, prosperous, resilient and united nation by mobilizing all skills, including those of our diaspora.”
He added that “this ambition is also part of the momentum created by the Alliance of Sahel States, which offers a renewed framework for economic integration, regional solidarity and mutually beneficial cooperation. The Malian diaspora is expected to play a leading role through its expertise, experience, networks and investment capacity. It serves as a bridge between Mali, the confederation and the rest of the world.”
