• Bill aims to protect depositors and strengthen financial inclusion
• Microfinance institutions serve 1.58 mln clients with CFA158 bln deposits
• Mali follows regional trend after similar reforms in Burkina Faso, Benin

Mali is preparing a new law to regulate its microfinance sector, according to Souahibou Diaby, an adviser at the Ministry of Economy and Finance. He made the announcement during the 24th Ordinary General Assembly of the Professional Association of Decentralized Financial Systems of Mali (Apsfd-Mali), held on September 18, 2025.

The main objective of this upcoming legal framework is to improve depositor protection and revitalize a sector considered vital for financial inclusion.

As of December 31, 2024, Mali had 116 decentralized financial systems (SFDs), also known as microfinance institutions, according to Apsfd-Mali. These institutions served 1.58 million clients, mobilized CFA158 billion in deposits, and provided CFA191 billion in loans.

Despite their important role in financing the economy, the sector faces several challenges, including limited access to funding resources, low levels of digitalization, security constraints that complicate cash transfers to rural areas, and the proliferation of unlicensed operators carrying out microfinance activities illegally. These difficulties weaken the sector’s stability and reduce its contribution to expanding banking services, while financial inclusion remains a major challenge in Mali.

The country is following a regional dynamic already initiated by other WAEMU members. In Burkina Faso, the Transitional Legislative Assembly adopted a new microfinance law in February 2025, aimed at improving savings protection and supporting project financing. In Benin, President Patrice Talon enacted Law No. 2025-14 on July 2, 2025, which reorganizes the governance of microfinance institutions and clarifies the responsibilities of the supervisory authority.

With its upcoming legislation, Mali seeks to align its regulatory framework with that of its neighbors and strengthen the resilience of a sector that remains essential for providing households and small businesses with access to credit.