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Public Procurement in Mali

Public Procurement in Mali is a fundamental instrument of public financial management and a key channel for government expenditure in a low-income economy with significant development needs. Public procurement supports infrastructure development, public service delivery, and donor-funded programs across priority sectors.

The procurement system in Mali is governed by a centralized regulatory framework and implemented through standardized procurement procedures applicable to public institutions at national level. Procurement activity plays a major role in public investment, particularly in works, infrastructure, and essential public services.

For domestic suppliers, regional contractors, and international firms, government tenders in Mali offer structured opportunities, particularly in construction, public works, and service provision financed through national budgets and development partners.

Country & Economic Overview

Mali’s economy is characterized by agriculture-based livelihoods, limited industrial capacity, and strong reliance on public spending and external development assistance. Public procurement therefore serves as a critical mechanism for transforming public resources into infrastructure, goods, and essential services.

Public Procurement Governance Framework

The governance of public procurement in Mali is centralized under a dedicated regulatory authority responsible for oversight, control, and coordination of public procurement and public service delegation.

The DGMP-DSP provides regulatory oversight, validates procurement procedures, and ensures compliance with the Public Procurement Code. Contracting authorities conduct procurement under this centralized supervision.

Legal & Regulatory Framework

The public procurement law in Mali is governed by the Public Procurement Code and related regulatory instruments. The framework defines procurement methods, approval processes, and oversight mechanisms.

• Bid Securities: Article 69, Public Procurement Code
• Public Bid Openings: Article 71, Public Procurement Code
• Domestic Preference: Article 76, Public Procurement Code
• Bid Validity Periods: Article 78.2, Public Procurement Code
• Standstill Periods: Articles 79.1–79.2, Public Procurement Code
• Complaint Resolution: Articles 120–122, Public Procurement Code

The legal framework establishes transparency, competition, and procedural safeguards applicable to goods, works, and services contracts.

Procurement Procedures & Thresholds

Procurement procedures in Mali are standardized under the Public Procurement Code and associated regulations.

• Advertisement periods for goods, works, and services are set at 15 days.
• Bid validity requirements are defined under Article 78.2.
• Standstill periods apply uniformly across procurement categories.
• Complaint procedures follow legally prescribed timelines and processes.

These procedures aim to ensure fairness, transparency, and effective competition.

E-Procurement System in Mali

The eProcurement system in Mali, known as the Integrated Public Procurement Management System (SIGMAP), supports electronic publication and procurement planning.

The system enhances transparency but does not yet support full end-to-end electronic procurement transactions.

Procurement Market Characteristics

Public procurement in Mali is dominated by works and infrastructure contracts, reflecting public investment priorities.

• Annual Contracts: 4,557
• Goods Contracts: 1,965 contracts valued at USD 541,786
• Works Contracts: 667 contracts valued at USD 199,309,513
• Services Contracts: 1,420 contracts valued at USD 57,791,361

Procurement opportunities are primarily domestic but also attract international participation in large-scale works and donor-funded projects.

Transparency, Complaints & Oversight

The Malian procurement system includes formal complaint mechanisms and oversight by regulatory and audit institutions. Procurement statistics and audit reports are published through official platforms.

Sustainability & Green Public Procurement

Specific statutory green public procurement strategies or mandatory environmental procurement requirements are not defined within the available public procurement framework.

Social & Ethical Procurement Considerations

The current procurement framework does not explicitly establish procurement quotas or preferential measures for women-owned businesses or disadvantaged groups.

Key Challenges & Practical Insights for Bidders

• Administrative and procedural complexity
• Limited use of fully transactional eProcurement tools
• Capacity constraints among contracting authorities
• Strong emphasis on compliance with formal procedures

Practical bidding tips

1. Closely follow DGMP-DSP procedural requirements.
2. Monitor official procurement statistics and notices regularly.
3. Prepare documentation in French and in strict legal format.
4. Consider partnerships for large works contracts.

Overall, Public Procurement in Mali offers a centralized, regulated procurement environment with significant opportunities in public works, infrastructure, and development-driven sectors.