The government of Mali and the African Development Bank conducted a performance review of the Bank Group's portfolio operations in Mali from November 11-15. The aim was to reach an agreement with the national authorities and all stakeholders on ways and means of implementing projects and programmes effectively and efficiently.
The workshop to review the conclusions of the Bank's work with the various stakeholders brought together more than 80 participants: heads of the ministerial departments implementing the Bank's principal projects in Mali, technical and financial partners, heads of project management units, representatives of civil society, and officials from various levels of the Malian public administration.
The workshop provided an opportunity to review the status of operations to identify activities to be implemented immediately to improve project commitment and disbursement rates and to discuss the list of projects eligible for restructuring or cancellation with the national authorities. The implementation of the Portfolio Performance Improvement Plan, devised during the portfolio review in 2023, was also assessed, while highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the monitoring mechanism put in place. Lastly, a new Portfolio Performance Improvement Plan for the country was proposed, with short- and medium-term deadlines.
"I acknowledge the excellent relationship that exists between the African Development Bank and the Republic of Mali," said Abdoulaye Traoré, Secretary General of the Malian Ministry of the Economy and Finance. "I invite all stakeholders to take on board the recommendations of this review to improve the performance of the portfolio and ensure that the Bank's allocations to Mali have a positive impact."
Adalbert Nshimyumuremyi, the Bank's Country Manager for Mali, returned the sentiment: "We at the African Development Bank are delighted to be with you today to contribute to Mali's socio-economic development. We will continue to be at your side to support the government in its priorities."
Mali's Portfolio Performance Review concluded with a capacity-building session for stakeholders involved in the implementation of projects financed by the Bank. The session focused on the Bank's procurement methods and procedures and on aspects relating to environmental and social safeguards.
Mali is a strategic partner of the African Development Bank. As of 1 November 2024, the African Development Bank Group's active portfolio in Mali included 24 projects amounting to an approximate total of €692.48 million (454.24 billion CFA francs). The projects involve infrastructure, transport, agriculture, energy, water and sanitation, governance, the fight against climate change and social development.
