Supporting Job Creation and Exports in Mali’s Mango Sector

About the Project

In Mali, agriculture provides income and jobs to more than 65% of the country’s population. The sector is dominated by cotton, gold, and livestock, which together account for more than 80% of total exports. As one of the biggest mango producers in Sub-Saharan Africa, Mali is well positioned to diversify its agricultural value chain and increase the export of mango products in puree and concentrate form to Europe, where demand for mango products outstrips supply. Currently, however, only 11% of the country’s mangoes are exported.

IFC and GAFSP are supporting the expansion at Mali's leading mango processor, Centre d'Étude et de Développement Industriel et Agricole du Mali (CEDIAM), helping the company increase farmers' access to markets and boost production and exports of the flavorful fruit.  The loan will help CEDIAM complete upgrades to its production facility, purchase the equipment it needs to increase the number of mangoes it collects, and add up to 1,000 smallholder mango farmers to its already 2,000-strong farmer supply chain. The funding will also support 300 direct and indirect jobs at CEDIAM.  The funds, which will also provide working capital for CEDIAM, are expected to boost the company's exports of mango puree and concentrate to Europe and other markets. IFC will also provide CEDIAM with advisory services to help it strengthen its corporate governance, and financial management, and environmental, and social risk management practices.  Farmers will be supported directly with training to improve their agricultural methods, not only in mango farming, but also in intercropping other varieties to boost their incomes.