Organized by the Ministry of Energy and Water, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Sanitation and Sustainable Development (MEADD), the workshop was part of the African Union’s Multi-country GCF Readiness Project (AU AIP Multicountry GCF Readiness Project), supported by the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
The meeting brought together representatives from the Malian government, regional institutions, technical and financial partners, and water sector experts in a dynamic of strategic dialogue and multisectoral coordination.
In the face of growing challenges related to climate change, demographic pressure, and water resource vulnerability, Mali expressed an urgent need for concrete solutions and appropriate financing to achieve its sustainable development goals.
Discussions highlighted institutional coordination gaps between the two key ministries mentioned above, while emphasizing the investment potential of the water sector as a driver of climate resilience, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.
Clear Objectives for Strategic Mobilization
The meeting aimed to:
- Discuss key challenges related to underinvestment in the water sector.
- Align national priorities with climate and sustainable development goals.
- Harmonize collaboration among national stakeholders in Mali’s water sector.
- Develop strategies to accelerate financing for bankable and climate-resilient projects.
The Catalytic Role of GWP and the African Union Commission
The Global Water Partnership (GWP), through its regional offices in Southern Africa (GWPSA) and West Africa (GWP-WA), plays a technical and strategic role in implementing the project. In collaboration with the African Union Commission, GWP supports countries in developing project pipelines and creating knowledge platforms to enhance planning and investment in the water sector.
This was emphasized by Mr. Sidi COULIBALY, Acting Executive Secretary of GWP-WA, who stated during the partner session:
“Water is at the heart of climate resilience. Without integrated, inclusive, and sustainable management of this vital resource, development efforts risk being compromised. That’s why GWP, in partnership with the African Union through the Continental Water Investment Programme in Africa (AU-AIP), fully supports this initiative aimed at mobilizing increased financing for Mali’s water sector.”
He commended the efforts of the Malian government and its partners in identifying priority areas requiring enhanced financial support.
Toward a National Investment Roadmap
At the end of the meeting, participants agreed to develop a national roadmap to accelerate investments in the water sector, incorporating recommendations from Mali’s capacity and needs assessment.
This roadmap will serve as a framework for mobilizing funding from the GCF and other partners, while strengthening intersectoral coordination and governance in the sector.
The Bamako meeting thus marks a turning point in Mali’s national efforts toward sustainable, inclusive, and resilient water resource management.