MALI

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Development Challenge Other Donors FY2001 Program / Activity & Budget Information Summary Tables Program Summary Work Force Data Program/Sector Summary USAID Search: Mali Previous Years' Activities 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997 24     Introduction Mali continues to be a politically and economically sound partner with the United States, even more so as we address regional stability and expansion of trade in West Africa. As Malian President Konare assumes the Chair of the Economic Community of West African States for FY 2000, conflict mitigation and enhanced regional trade are high priorities. Building on President Konare's visit to the White House in 1998, Secretary of State Albright and Ambassador Richard Holbrooke visited Mali in 1999 to further highlight appreciation for Mali's positive contribution to regional stability, as well as its collaboration with U.S. experts in the fields of education, democratic governance, trade and business investment. Mali actively participates in the Leland Initiative, the Africa Food Security Initiative, the Education for Development and Democracy Initiative, the Micro-enterprise Initiative, the Heavily Indebted Poor Country Debt Reduction Initiative and the Africa Trade and Investment Policy Program. The U.S. Government's assistance to Mali is fully integrated with the U.S. Mission Performance Plan. The Development Challenge Mali is an extremely poor country without significant natural or economic resources. The infrastructure is weak and Mali's per capita income is about $250 per year. Over 60% of the population is under 25 years of age and literacy is less than 30%. However, the democratically elected Government of the Republic of Mali (GRM) is implementing forward-looking policies to liberalize the economy and the political system, while expanding programs in education and health. Advances are hampered by a high population growth rate, placing increasing burdens on social services and the economy. Access to primary education is now being rapidly expanded, although it still only reaches 50% of Mali's primary school age population (40% for girls). Food production in the last two years has been adequate for national requirements, but Mali remains vulnerable to unreliable rainfall for most agricultural activities, in part because a majority of Mali's rural population is heavily dependent on rain-fed, subsistence agriculture. Decentralized decision-making and influential civic actions are now taking root at the local level, stimulated immensely by the free and fair nationwide local elections held in 1999. Access to development information through rural radio and the Internet has made great strides since 1997. Political and economic stability in northern Mali is still a goal for the future, although progress has been made. Other Donors Other donors provided an estimated $480 million to assist Mali in 1999. The United States, while not among the five largest donors, provided roughly 7% of Mali's total bilateral assistance. Other major donors (in order of importance) include: European Union, France, the World Bank, Japan, United Nations agencies, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, Norway, and Switzerland. Country Background Information Resources   CIA Factbook Library of Congress National Geographic Country Maps State Dept. Country Information

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