(Ecofin Agency) - In an interview with national TV, ORTM, and daily Les Echos, the President of Mali, Ibrahim Boubakar Keita, said he will work to implement a land reform which will help improve land management in the country.

“I think it’s time we have a proper land register. It is time also for the land management regulations, and land code to be reviewed and revised. A strict discipline should be in place in Mali’s land management. We can’t move forward without these,” he said.

However, the President, despite being aware of the state of land management in the country, mentioned no immediate measure to stop land speculation which is growing at a concerning pace.

According to Thinking Africa, Mali is the twelfth country in Africa to give out or sell its arable lands to foreign investors the most, with 0.5 million hectares since 2000.

Souha Touré