Mali–Europe: Economic Dialogue and Business Cooperation

Mali–Europe: Economic Dialogue and Business Cooperation

Business Delegation to Brussels – 25 March to 1 April 2026

European Strategic Initiative (ESI) organised and facilitated the visit to Brussels of a Malian economic delegation composed of entrepreneurs and private sector actors committed to developing their activities and international partnerships.

The mission aimed to foster direct exchanges with European institutions, Belgian authorities and private sector stakeholders, while exploring concrete opportunities for cooperation, investment and partnership development.

Throughout their stay, members of the delegation participated in a series of institutional and economic meetings at various levels. Discussions involved, in particular, the European External Action Service (EEAS), the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), the Office of the European Union Special Representative for the Sahel, as well as the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The delegation was notably received by João Cravinho, European Union Special Representative for the Sahel, and Sibille de Cartier, Belgian Special Envoy for the Sahel, providing an opportunity to discuss prospects for cooperation between Mali, Belgium and the European Union in a changing regional environment.

The discussions focused on dialogue and engagement between partners, the role of the private sector as a driver of economic development and stability, and ways to strengthen links between Malian economic actors and European ecosystems.

The mission also included a series of meetings with Belgian and European companies aimed at fostering direct exchanges between business actors. Particular attention was given to the agriculture and agro-industrial sectors, notably through site visits and discussions with companies specialising in poultry and agri-food value chains.

This initiative highlighted the importance of building bridges between public and private stakeholders, institutions and businesses, in order to promote practical cooperation and strengthen economic ties between Africa and Europe.

It reflects the approach developed by European Strategic Initiative: facilitating structured engagement formats that bring stakeholders together, identify opportunities for cooperation and contribute to the development of long-term partnerships.