In order to be able to satisfy its desire for emergence in an Africa that wants to be more and more open but integrated, Mali has begun the process of structural transformation of its economy.
This is reflected, in addition to the gradual increase in the share of tax services in GDP, by the implementation of projects to build processing units for our agricultural products. And in sectors as strategic as cattle/meat, sugar and pharmaceutical products for example, where the country has real comparative advantages.
The clear objective being to considerably reduce our dependence on imports and budgetary support. The latent objective is, no doubt, to diversify our economy so that we can take advantage of the immense opportunities offered by increased intra-African trade and regional economic integration with a view to providing economic opportunities to Mali’s growing youth.
Legitimate will whose realization will largely depend on the ability of our authorities to attract productive investments at low interest rates in the infrastructure and energy sectors. The availability of energy, in particular clean and at very competitive prices, is above all necessary to support growth and prosperity.
In this regard, these investments, in the opinion of experts, will help to bridge the existing gap in access to energy. Currently, more than 600 million fellow African citizens do not have access to electricity. The continent produces only 4% of the world’s energy. In Mali, the electricity access rate is 53.6%, according to 2021 data provided by the national energy directorate.
This situation must change if we really want to be there for emergence. And it is neither the models nor the strategies that are lacking. Countries are already showing the way. “Ethiopia has invested in the development of geothermal, wind, solar and other areas of sustainable energy to achieve our goals. As we aspire to restructure and develop efficient national energy markets, Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is an essential requirement,” said its Minister of State for Energy Development, Sultan Woli, recently.
In this regard, experts find it necessary to attract investment from the private sector. To stimulate private investment and accelerate infrastructure development in Africa, the first step must be to create a clear, stable and transparent regulatory framework, specialists stress.
According to them, the development of a reform program requires a comprehensive and participatory approach. Reforms that must prioritize transparency, predictability and competitiveness, while ensuring the protection of the public interest and social welfare. A way to democratize access to energy.
Cheick Moctar TRAORE