Mali, like many other African countries, is facing multiple challenges, to which the current economic model seems to have difficulties responding. Despite the country's supposedly high growth rates, largely based on raw gold mining, but also on rapid urbanization and the creation of a middle class, inequality in Mali continues to grow. Poverty remains rampant, underemployment and unemployment the norm, and food insecurity commonplace, a cocktail conducive to the development of extremism. Moreover, the crisis in the north of the country has its roots in this brew of black misery long neglected by successive governments. The importance of decent work for achieving sustainable development is highlighted in Sustainable Development Goal 8, which aims to "promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all".
It is estimated that more than 222,000 new jobs must be created in Mali by 2030, simply to keep pace with the growth of the Malian population of working age. Therefore, Malian leaders need to urgently create thousands of jobs for young people entering the labor market.
The green economy turns to be a very interesting solution in order to break the paradigm of the old model. Green economy is a tool for implementing sustainable development. Although, it remains a challenge for both developed and developing countries, including Mali. [1]
Several issues plead for green economy in Mali, including [1]:
- Ecological issues: The environment, climate change, the fight against desertification and the preservation of biological diversity are increasingly structuring issues, determining factors for the well-being of the population. Mali's natural capital, which contributes critically to national production and to the living conditions of households, must be preserved.
- Social issues: Poverty is the main cause of underdevelopment in general, and the degradation of natural resources in particular.
- Economic challenges: The Malian economy is fundamentally based on the primary sector, agriculture constituting as the most important sub-sector. By diversifying its bases and favoring accelerated, sustainable growth favorable to the poor and creating jobs and income-generating activities, Mali wants to reach rates above 7% per year.
Key policies and governance approach
Mali has set itself 2025 to reach the level of emerging country status. The international community, in its Agenda 2030 for sustainable development, recognized the importance of the green economy as it offers a holistic and multidimensional approach to the common problems of humanity. This is reflected in the many targets that are related to this concept, such as: sustainable agriculture and fishing, renewable energies, sustainable tourism, green industrialization, circular economy, and the means of implementation through international cooperation, intellectual property and technology transfer. [2]
Successes and remaining challenges
To protect the environment and the natural and cultural heritage, Mali´s governance must be based on a vision of sustainable development where the protection of the environment, social progress and economic efficiency are inseparable. Faced with demographic challenges, growing health and education needs, Mali has the duty to fight poverty and social exclusion, and there is an imperative to initiate continuous development and reduce public debt, and the need to develop and to exploit natural resources in a rational and responsible manner. [2]
Initiatives and Development Plans
The Malian Government has developed and implemented various mechanisms that support sustainable land management:
- The prospective vision “Mali 2025”: The development of a nation is global and multifaceted. The challenge is to translate the reflections into concrete actions to respond to the concerns of current generations and better prepare to those of future generations. This conviction led the Malian authorities to undertake a study known as the “National Prospective Study 2025”.
- The Strategic Framework for Growth and Poverty Reduction CSCRP 2012 – 2017: The CSCRP was drafted in 2006 with the aim of improving living conditions and fighting poverty. The “poverty – environment” interdependence has led Mali in the CSCRP (2007-2011) to take the environmental dimension into account in all sectoral policies and in the development planning process at all territorial levels (national, regional and local). The CSCRP (2012-2017) had number of a notable improvements , characterized by the organization of several events , including the national conference on the environment in July 2009.
- The National Strategy for Sustainable Development: In 2011, Mali initiated a process of drawing up a National Strategy for Sustainable Development. [2]
Goals and Ambitions
In line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, several options are available for Mali in relation to the progress towards green economy, including sustainable agriculture and fisheries; renewable energy; sustainable tourism; green industrialization; circular economy and the means of implementation through international cooperation, intellectual property and technology transfer.
Other themes pertinent for Mali in regard to the green economy include the development of circular economy, creation of deep structural transformations of economies and societies, including production and consumption patterns, and promotion of green finance.
It should be also considered that Mali has set the year 2025 as target for reaching emerging country status. [1]
- Further develop sustainable agriculture and fisheries; renewable energy; sustainable tourism; green industrialization; circular economy; and means of implementation through international cooperation, intellectual property and technology transfer.
- Other concepts pertinent for Mali in regard to the green economy include the development of circular economy, creation of deep structural transformations of economies and societies, and promotion of green finance.
[1] Mali24 (2020). L’économie verte : Un Mali émergeant à l’horizon 2025?
[2] REPUBLIQUE DU MALI (2012). RAPPORT NATIONAL SUR LE DEVELOPPEMENT DURABLE AU MALI Dans la perspective de RIO+20.