Dynamics of the startup ecosystem in Mali

Dynamics of the startup ecosystem in Mali

Source : Roland Berger

Mali has very low Internet penetration: only 10% of the population has access to it, mainly because of a high illiteracy rate.

Proportion of the population with access to the Internet[in %: 2016-2017]
Classement
  • Morocco
  • Kenya
  • Ghana
  • Senegal
  • Ivory Coast
  • Cameroon
  • Mali
  • Chad
  • 67
  • 84
  • 105
  • 108
  • 110
  • 112
  • 128
  • 137

  • the poor quality of the network and prohibitive prices present a significant barrier to the ICT inclusion of the population.

In addition, the weakness of Mali's education system hinders the emergence of innovative start-ups

Quality of mathematics and science education[Index, 7 being the maximum]
Classement
  • Ivory Coast
  • Kenya
  • Morocco
  • Ghana
  • Mali
  • Benin
  • Chad
  • Mauritania
  • 43
  • 68
  • 72
  • 93
  • 101
  • 102
  • 121
  • 132

  • Only 6.9% of the population is enrolled in the 3rd cycle.

Supports innovation and entrepreneurship

An ecosystem is beginning to form in Bamako,

composed of events (international competitions dedicated to the startup) and support entities.

.
The network of support structures

has been expanding since 2014 with the creation of 2 coworking areas and 3 incubators.

Startup financing

PROCEJ, financed by the World Bank:

strengthening technical and vocational education institutions, training out-of-school youth, creating jobs for young people in the private sector, supporting young entrepreneurs, subsidies and operational support for SMEs, creating a certification framework….
EYP, financed by the national fund

for the employment of young people, in order to develop entrepreneurship, facilitate financing (projects of less than €3000) and increase the employability of young Malians.

Infrastructure and services

The government has developed a strategic plan 2015-2018 to simplify the business climate in Mali, with the launch of a one-stop shop in 2009. Since then, 25,000 companies have been created.

Training and research

Implementation in 2017 of the world-class Webforce3 computer training program in Bamako, to fill the shortage of intermediate technicians and meet the needs of recruiters.