The second International Diaspora Forum (FID) is currently underway at the International Conference Center of Bamako (CICB), running from July 16 to 18, 2026. This year’s pivotal theme centers on: «Malian Diaspora and Productive Investments: Building an Economically Strong Mali for Sustainable Development».
Morocco has been designated as the guest of honor for this edition, a clear indication of the authorities’ commitment to positioning the diaspora as a key driver for national economic growth. The forum’s opening proceedings were led by Prime Minister, General of Division Abdoulaye Maïga.
Driss Isbayène, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Mali, highlighted his nation’s parallel experience with its expatriate community. He noted that Morocco has approximately six million citizens residing abroad, a figure that mirrors the scale of the Malian diaspora.
Ambassador Isbayène articulated that «both nations confront the identical challenge: successfully maintaining their diaspora’s connection to their homeland, and crucially, motivating them to increase investments in ventures that are economically profitable and advantageous to the national economy».
Alimatou Diallo, a Senegalese national who has resided in Mali for several years, expressed gratitude for the country’s hospitality. «Since I started living in Mali, I have never felt isolated,» she shared, adding that «this initiative empowers us to grow and promote our products».
Habib Sylla, President of the High Council of Malians Established Abroad, recalled the powerful message delivered by the President of the Transition, General of Army Assimi Goïta, during an audience with the diaspora following the inaugural FID. President Goïta had urged: «Do not hesitate to come and invest in your homeland. I remain fully available to support you should any obstacles arise; my door is always open».
For Mr. Sylla, this represented «the strongest signal the diaspora could have hoped for». He encouraged Malians living abroad to continue directing their investments towards promising sectors.
Mossa Ag Attaher, Minister of Malians Established Abroad and African Integration, asserted that «the diaspora is by no means relegated to the nation’s periphery; rather, it beats at the very heart of its destiny». He further explained that «Diaspora Hub transcends the mere concept of a digital platform. It stands as a meticulously designed digital infrastructure intended to permanently connect Malians living abroad with their homeland, its institutions, and the expansive opportunities for our development».
Describing this as a genuine strategy for Mali’s economic, social, and institutional transformation, Prime Minister, General of Division Abdoulaye Maïga, stated: «This vision embodies the ambition to construct a sovereign, prosperous, resilient, and unified nation by mobilizing all available expertise, including that of our diaspora».
He elaborated that «this aspiration also aligns with the momentum of the Alliance des États du Sahel (AES), which provides a revitalized framework for economic integration, regional solidarity, and mutually beneficial cooperation. The Malian diaspora is poised to play a leading role through its expertise, experience, networks, and investment capacity, serving as a vital link between Mali, the confederal region, and the global community».