Mali Industry Sectors

 The Republic of Mali has a small industry sector, contributing about 20% of the nation’s GDP. The contribution of this sector was even lower before due to corruption and the lack of infrastructure. Both these factors resulted in foreign investment shying away from the country. However, Mali made radical changes to its industrial policies in 1992, which significantly propelled the growth of industries in the country. In 2002, the government undertook a program of privatizing and restructuring state-owned enterprises.

 The Republic of Mali has a small industry sector, contributing about 20% of the nation’s GDP. The contribution of this sector was even lower before due to corruption and the lack of infrastructure. Both these factors resulted in foreign investment shying away from the country. However, Mali made radical changes to its industrial policies in 1992, which significantly propelled the growth of industries in the country. In 2002, the government undertook a program of privatizing and restructuring state-owned enterprises. This gave a further fillip to industries in Mali.[br] 

Mali Industry Sectors: Based on Agriculture and Livestock

While most of the segments of the secondary (or industry) sector are dependent on the primary sector – agriculture and livestock, the four most important of these are:

• Tobacco

• Food Processing

• Textiles

• Meat Packaging 

Other important industries in the country include plants for:

• Groundnut Oil

• Cottonseed Oil

• Cottonseed Cake

• Rice Polishing

• Fruit Preserving

• Sugar Distilling

• Tea 

Mali Industry Sectors: Mining

Mining is a significant contributor to Mali’s GDP. Gold is the most important mining activity in the country. Prior to the 1990s, Mali produced less than half a tonne of god annually. Between 1994 and 2007, approximately 150 operating licenses were given to national and foreign companies. More that 25 certificates for exploitation and 200 research permits were also granted. This gave a boost to gold mining and Mali began producing in excess of 50 tonnes of the precious metal in 2007.

 

Major minerals found in the country are salt, limestone and phosphate. Mali is also rich in iron ore, lithium, tin, uranium, diamonds and copper.

Mali Industry Sectors: Construction

Construction work has also evolved into a significant segment of the industry sector. This includes plants for manufacturing:

• Brick

• Ceramics

• Cement

• Tiles

• Furniture[br] 

Mali Industry Sectors: Handicrafts

Mali’s handicraft industry has also made good progress and employs more than 5% of Mali’s labor force. This segment includes:

• Wood Carvings

• Baskets

• Shoes

• Pottery

 

Other industries include vinegar, beverages, tannery, farm implements, batteries, cosmetics, bicycles and motorcycles.