Mali’s transitional government has formalized an agreement with Russia to build a gold refinery and a cotton processing plant.
This major project, led by a Russian company selected by Mali’s leadership, aims to elevate the nation’s raw resource exports by creating value-added products within its borders.
The selected firm was officially welcomed to Bamako by the transitional President, General Assimi Goïta, marking a new era of industrial collaboration.
For years, Mali has consistently ranked among the top three producers of gold and cotton in West Africa, yet the bulk of these resources have been exported without added value.
This new venture is aimed toward local processing, expected to enhance job opportunities, strengthen the economy, and reduce the nation’s dependence on raw resource exports.
The establishment of these facilities is set to foster regional growth, with potential impacts across West Africa.
With this initiative, Mali aims to position itself as a processing powerhouse, adding significant value to its exports, boosting revenue, and setting an example for other resource-rich nations in the region.