A high-level meeting on accelerating investments in Mali’s water sector concluded successfully on September 2, 2025, marking a major step toward strengthening the country’s climate resilience and water security. Organized by Mali’s Ministry of Energy and Water in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Sanitation and Sustainable Development (MEADD), the workshop was part of the African Union’s Multi-country GCF Readiness Project, supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The event convened representatives from the Malian government, regional institutions, technical and financial partners, and water sector experts to engage in strategic dialogue and multisectoral coordination.
Mali faces growing challenges from climate change, demographic pressure, and water resource vulnerability, creating an urgent need for concrete solutions and financing to meet its sustainable development goals. Discussions highlighted gaps in institutional coordination between the two key ministries, while also emphasizing the water sector’s investment potential as a driver of climate resilience, inclusive growth, and sustainable development. Participants aimed to address underinvestment, align national priorities with climate and SDG targets, harmonize collaboration among stakeholders, and develop strategies to accelerate financing for bankable, climate-resilient projects.
The Global Water Partnership (GWP), through its Southern and West Africa regional offices, along with the African Union Commission, played a catalytic role in providing technical and strategic support. GWP facilitated the development of project pipelines and knowledge platforms to enhance planning and investment in Mali’s water sector. Sidi Coulibaly, Acting Executive Secretary of GWP-WA, emphasized that integrated, inclusive, and sustainable water management is central to climate resilience and development, and commended Mali’s efforts in identifying priority areas for enhanced financial support.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants agreed to develop a national investment roadmap to accelerate water sector financing, incorporating recommendations from Mali’s capacity and needs assessment. This roadmap is expected to guide funding mobilization from the GCF and other partners, while improving intersectoral coordination and governance. The Bamako meeting thus represents a key milestone in Mali’s efforts to achieve sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient water resource management.
