• Mali’s 2024 defense spending reached $1.11 billion, with 98.49% of the budget executed
• Most of the funds went to personnel, military equipment, and drone purchases
• The country is building its own arms industry as part of efforts to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers

Mali directed more than $1.11 billion (CFA641.02 billion) toward its defense sector in 2024, according to a new report from the national budget office. The spending covered nearly all of the CFA650.8 billion initially set aside for defense, reaching an execution rate of 98.49%.

Personnel costs made up the largest share at CFA270.05 billion, while CFA195.5 billion was spent on unspecified investments. Goods and services accounted for CFA167.9 billion, and transfers and subsidies came to CFA7.5 billion.

The sharp increase in defense spending comes as Mali continues to face serious security threats, especially in the Liptako-Gourma region, near the borders with Burkina Faso and Niger. This area has seen frequent attacks by armed groups and terrorist organizations.

The Malian government has launched a push to modernize its armed forces. In January 2024, the military received three complete drone stations, including Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones, to boost surveillance and anti-terrorism operations. In November, the army added Akinci combat drones, also from Turkey’s Baykar.

These efforts are part of a broader strategy to build stronger national forces. The Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) have increased the pace of military operations. On April 28, a mission in Sebabougou led to the killing of 21 militants and the seizure of weapons, ammunition, communication tools, and logistical equipment.

#FAMaActu
L'Etat-Major Général des Armées informe l'opinion que les FAMa mènent depuis la matinée du 28 avril 2025, une opération offensive dans le secteur de SEBABOUGOU dans le cercle de DIEMA, région administrative de NIORO DU SAHEL. Cette opération vise à rétablir l'ordre et… pic.twitter.com/dJAZc5nji3

— FAMa (@DirpaFa) April 28, 2025

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Mali’s arms imports jumped 210% between 2018 and 2022. Russia, China, Brazil, and Turkey are among the main suppliers.

In an effort to lower foreign dependence, President Assimi Goïta announced in January 2025 the launch of a national military industry that will focus on producing key defense equipment inside Mali.

For 2025, the defense budget is set at CFA470.1 billion, about 14.6% of the national budget, which totals CFA3,229.8 billion.

Charlène N’dimon