AGP Executive Report

Mali’s gold sector under pressure: Resolute Mining shares jumped after strong gold prices and output, with its Mali asset (Syama) in focus—another reminder that Mali’s mining boom is tightly linked to global markets. Sahel energy push: The AfDB signed key implementation contracts for the 225 kV Mauritania–Mali power interconnection under the Desert to Power initiative, aiming to boost grid reliability and regional electricity trade. Clean cooking crisis: A new IEA report warns that nearly 970 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still lack clean cooking, with the gap expected to worsen to over 1 billion by 2027—an urgent health and environment issue for the Sahel. Water access gap: A global map highlights where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, underscoring the infrastructure challenge Mali communities face. Soil resilience support: Soil Values’ “Bundle Box” approach is being promoted to improve soil health and smallholder resilience by bundling seeds, fertilizer, extension, and market access—plus a Mali example using organic manure contracts. Media freedom in Mali: Journalists’ detentions and the use of cybercrime law are drawing sharp criticism, raising concerns for civic space alongside environmental reporting.

Sahel Climate Risk: UNICEF warns 1.1 billion children worldwide face at least three overlapping climate hazards, with health, schooling and survival at stake—an especially sharp concern for the Sahel and Mali’s vulnerable communities. Clean Cooking Crisis: An IEA report says nearly 970 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still lack clean cooking fuels, with the gap growing by about 14 million people a year and expected to exceed 1 billion by 2027—linking household air pollution to environmental pressure. Desert to Power Progress: The AfDB signed key implementation contracts for the 225 kV Mauritania–Mali power interconnection under the Desert to Power initiative, aiming to expand solar electricity access across the Sahel. Soil Resilience for West Africa: The Soil Values “Bundle Box” approach is highlighted as a more integrated way to boost soil health—combining seeds, fertilizer, extension, finance and market access, with Mali cited as an example. Mali Media Freedom: Mali’s journalists face renewed pressure, with criticism over arrests and the use of cybercrime law—raising alarms for press freedom alongside environmental governance needs. Mali Gold Value Chain: A report on Africa’s gold notes Mali’s sector challenge: much value is captured through exporting and refining elsewhere, pushing for stronger local retention of benefits.

Water Access Gap: A new global map shows where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, with over 2 billion people lacking reliable, contamination-free water at home—highlighting huge country-to-country gaps. Sahel Soil Resilience: Mali-linked work under the Soil Values “Bundle Box” approach is pushing integrated soil fertility, better seeds and fertilizers, extension support, and market access to help smallholders turn inputs into real gains. Clean Cooking Crisis: An IEA report warns Sub-Saharan Africa still lags on clean cooking—nearly 970 million people without clean fuels in 2024—and says the gap could worsen to over 1 billion by 2027 as population growth outpaces progress. Desert to Power Grid Link: The AfDB signed key contracts to advance the 225 kV Mauritania–Mali power interconnection under the Desert to Power initiative, aiming to boost regional electricity reliability and trade. Climate Risk for Children: UNICEF reports 1.1 billion children face overlapping climate hazards, with heat, drought, floods, storms and air pollution compounding risks to health and schooling. Mali Gold Tax Dispute: Barrick Gold faces a major fiscal claim from Mali—over $512 million in unpaid taxes and dividends—underscoring the environmental and governance stakes around mining value.

Sahel Energy & Climate: The AfDB signed key contracts to advance the 225 kV Mauritania–Mali power link under the Desert to Power push, aiming to boost solar electricity trade and access across the Sahel. Clean Cooking Crisis: A new IEA report warns sub-Saharan Africa could top 1 billion people without clean cooking fuel by 2027, with major health and environmental fallout as population growth outpaces progress. Soil Resilience for Farmers: The Soil Values program promoted “Bundle Box” packages in West Africa and the Sahel, combining seeds, fertilizer, extension, finance and market access—highlighting a Mali example using organic manure with nomadic pastoralists. Children at Risk: UNICEF says 1.1 billion children worldwide face at least three overlapping climate hazards, including in regions where air pollution and malaria risks add pressure. Mali Environment in the Spotlight: A Bamako artist is turning public buses into moving climate warnings, using murals to fight deforestation and air pollution and push cleaner choices. Regional Governance: The AES summit in Ouagadougou backed stronger security, economic integration and diplomatic coordination among Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger as the bloc reshapes ties in the Sahel.

Alliance of Sahel States (AES): Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger wrapped up a June 23–25 summit in Ouagadougou, pledging tighter regional security, economic integration and diplomatic coordination as the bloc tries to stand as an alternative to ECOWAS. Clean cooking fuel gap: A new International Energy Agency report warns that nearly 970 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still lack clean cooking, with the number rising by about 14 million a year and expected to exceed 1 billion by 2027—an urgent health and environment issue for the Sahel. Desert to Power grid push: The AfDB says it has signed key project implementation contracts tied to the 225 kV Mauritania–Mali power interconnection, part of the Desert to Power initiative to expand solar electricity access across Sahel countries. Soil resilience support: The Soil Values program promoted “Bundle Box” packages—seeds, fertilizers, extension, finance and market access—aimed at improving soil health and smallholder resilience in West Africa and the Sahel, including examples from Mali. Climate risk for children: UNICEF reports 1.1 billion children worldwide face overlapping climate hazards, with air pollution and vector-borne disease risks like malaria adding pressure on health and education systems.

Climate Risk for Children: UNICEF reports 1.1 billion children worldwide face at least three overlapping climate hazards, with impacts hitting health, schooling and survival; the study also flags added risks from air pollution and vector-borne diseases like malaria. Grassroots Climate Messaging in Mali: In Bamako, artist Drissa Konaté is turning a public minibus into a moving mural campaign against deforestation and air pollution, using bold visuals to show how trees absorb CO2 and why protecting the environment matters. Volta Basin Push for Restoration: Mali and neighbors are urged to accelerate ecosystem restoration and climate resilience as the Volta Basin faces pressure from climate change, population growth, urbanisation, farming expansion and mining; the forum calls for stronger transboundary governance and more local community involvement. El Niño Warning for the Sahel: FAO warns the next El Niño could be among the strongest on record, raising drought risk in the Sahel and threatening crops and grazing areas, while other regions may see heavier rains and flooding. Sustainability in Higher Education (Mali Included): Times Higher Education’s Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026 add Mali among new ranked countries, highlighting growing attention to UN SDG-linked research, teaching and stewardship.

Climate risk for the Sahel: UN/FAO warnings say the next El Niño could be the strongest on record, with a high risk of drought in the Sahel and other regions facing heavier rains and flooding—raising alarms for crops, grazing and food security. Water and ecosystem pressure in the Volta Basin: A regional forum in Abidjan urged faster restoration and stronger cross-border governance as climate change, population growth, urbanisation, farming expansion and mining strain water, forests, wetlands and biodiversity—Mali among the participating countries. Plastic-to-value in Mali: The Bamagreen project’s Phase II in Bamako and Ségou is scaling up recycling of plastic waste into construction and electrification products, aiming to recover over 960 tonnes yearly while creating jobs and training youth and women. Grassroots climate messaging in Bamako: A Mali artist is turning public buses into moving murals that link deforestation and air pollution to the role of trees in absorbing CO2, pushing cleaner transport and climate awareness. Press freedom under strain in Mali: Reports highlight the detention and trials of journalists under Mali’s cybercrime law, with media groups criticising repression and the shrinking space for independent reporting.

Volta Basin Restoration Push: Ministers and partners meeting in Abidjan urged faster ecosystem restoration and climate resilience across the Volta Basin, warning that climate change, population growth, farming expansion and mining are stressing water, forests, wetlands and biodiversity—Mali is among the countries involved. Bamagreen Plastic-to-Value in Mali: In Bamako and Ségou, the Bamagreen project (Phase II) is scaling up recycling of plastic waste into construction and electrification products, aiming to recover over 960 tonnes yearly, train 150 people, and support thousands of residents through circular production. El Niño Threat to Sahel Food Security: FAO warns the next El Niño could be among the strongest on record, raising drought risk in the Sahel and other dry areas, while some regions may face heavier rains and flooding—an urgent signal for Mali’s agriculture and grazing communities. Customs Gets Geospatial Tools: West African customs administrations completed training on geospatial intelligence to better monitor cross-border activity using satellite and mapping tools, with Mali included in the first cohort of master trainers. Keta Port Momentum (Regional Trade Link): Ghana’s GPHA says stakeholder engagement is advancing after securing the Keta Port EIA permit, positioning the port as a logistics gateway for landlocked Sahel states including Mali.

Climate Pressure in the Sahel-to-Europe Belt: A heat dome is keeping extreme temperatures over France, with the “Omega block” trapping hot air from North Africa—an outside reminder of how Sahel weather shocks can ripple far beyond the region. Volta Basin Restoration Push: West African states, including Mali, were urged to speed up ecosystem restoration and climate resilience for the Volta Basin, as climate change, farming expansion, urban growth and mining strain water, forests, wetlands and biodiversity. Mali Mining Under Scrutiny: Mali’s military government is pressing a roughly $512M tax and dividend claim against Barrick Gold over the Loulo-Gounkoto complex, highlighting how resource governance decisions can shape local environmental and economic outcomes. Plastic-to-Value in Bamako: The Bamagreen project (Phase II) is expanding recycling of plastic waste into construction and electrification products, aiming to recover 960+ tonnes annually and create jobs for young people and women. Sahel Security and Community Impact: Reports describe renewed jihadist pressure in Niger, including attacks on key infrastructure near Niamey—conditions that can disrupt livelihoods, schooling and environmental management across the region. Education Crisis in Emergencies: A UN-backed report warns 93 million crisis-affected children are out of school globally, with Mali among countries facing worsening learning exclusion.

Volta Basin Action: Côte d’Ivoire urged urgent, shared protection of the Volta Basin as climate change, farming expansion and mining strain water, forests, wetlands and biodiversity—calling for faster ecosystem restoration, stronger cross-border governance, and more local community involvement, including women and youth. Plastic-to-Value in Mali: The Bamagreen project (Phase II) in Bamako and Ségou is turning plastic waste into construction and electrification products, with plans to recover over 960 tonnes of plastic yearly, train 150 people, and support thousands through circular production jobs. Mali Mining Pressure: Mali’s military-led government is pressing Barrick Gold for about $512M in unpaid taxes and dividends tied to the Loulo-Gounkoto complex, highlighting resource nationalism and tighter control of mining revenues. Food Security Alarm: A UN FAO/WFP warning says hunger will worsen between June and November in 13 hotspots, including Mali, as conflict, economic shocks and climate impacts collide with sharply reduced aid funding. Education in Crisis: Another UN-backed report flags 93 million crisis-affected children out of school globally, with Mali among countries where displacement and learning gaps deepen exclusion. Regional Climate Perception: A new survey map shows people often underestimate how much others also see climate change as a serious threat—an insight for building public support for action.

Volta Basin Action Call: Côte d’Ivoire urged urgent, shared protection of the Volta Basin, warning that climate change, population growth, farming expansion and mining are degrading water, forests, wetlands and biodiversity—calling for faster ecosystem restoration, stronger cross-border governance, more climate resilience funding, and wider roles for women, youth and local communities. Mali Mining Money Dispute: Mali’s junta is pressing a roughly $512M tax and dividend claim against Barrick Gold over the Loulo-Gounkoto complex, as negotiations enter a critical phase amid broader resource-nationalism moves. Plastic-to-Products Recycling Push: The Bamagreen project’s second phase in Bamako and Ségou will convert plastic waste into construction and electrification products, aiming to recover 960+ tonnes yearly, train 150 people, and support thousands through circular production. Hunger Warning for Mali: A UN FAO/WFP report flags worsening acute hunger in Mali and other hotspots as conflict, economic shocks and climate impacts collide—while humanitarian funding has fallen sharply. Education Crisis Spotlight: Another UN-backed report says 93 million crisis-affected children worldwide are out of school, with Mali among countries where displaced children face steep barriers to learning and staying enrolled. Sahel Security Pressure: JNIM claimed responsibility for a June attack on Niger’s Niamey airport, underscoring how jihadist violence is reaching major infrastructure across the region.

Plastic recycling in Mali: The Bamagreen project (Bamako and Ségou) has launched its second phase, turning plastic waste into construction and electrification products and recycled flakes, with support from Spain’s AECID; the plan targets recovery of 960+ tonnes of plastic yearly, training for 150 people, and benefits for thousands of residents. Mining and taxes: Mali’s junta is pressing Barrick Gold for about $512M in unpaid taxes and dividends tied to the Loulo-Gounkoto mining complex, as negotiations enter a critical phase amid broader resource-nationalism moves. Food security and climate pressure: A UN FAO/WFP warning flags worsening hunger in 13 countries, listing Mali among serious concern cases, with conflict and climate impacts driving acute food insecurity as humanitarian funding drops sharply. Energy access: Liberia signed an MoU with Mali-based AfriLight Energy for a 50MW solar plant plus battery storage—an example of how regional clean power deals are being structured to cut outages and stabilize grids. Regional policy push: Mali’s finance minister urged stronger West African tax cooperation and domestic revenue mobilization in Bamako, stressing that governments can’t fund development alone without better tax systems.

Plastic-to-power in Mali: Ayuda en Acción and adaPETation (IMG Group) launched Phase II of the Bamagreen project, turning plastic waste into construction and electrification products in Bamako and the Ségou region, targeting 960+ tonnes recovered yearly, training for 150 people, and direct benefits for 8,500 residents. Mining & taxes in Mali: Mali’s military government is pressing Barrick Gold for about $512M in unpaid taxes and dividends tied to the Loulo-Gounkoto complex, as negotiations enter a critical phase amid tighter resource control. Food security pressure: A UN FAO/WFP report warns acute hunger could worsen between June and November 2026 in 13 hotspots, listing Mali among countries of serious concern, with conflict, economic shocks, and climate impacts driving the risk. Regional climate perceptions: A new survey finds people often underestimate how seriously others view climate change, a gap that could shape how Mali and the wider region mobilize support for climate action. Energy access push: Liberia signed an MoU with Mali-based AfriLight Energy for a 50MW solar plant plus battery storage—an example of clean power models that could inspire Mali’s off-grid and grid-stability efforts.

Food Security in Mali and West Africa: A new UN FAO-WFP warning says acute hunger could worsen between June and November 2026, listing Mali among 13 hunger hotspots as conflict, economic shocks, climate impacts and sharply lower aid funding bite hardest. Health and Water Link: WHO validated Tunisia’s elimination of trachoma as a public health problem, underscoring how water, sanitation and hygiene drive progress against preventable disease. Sahel Instability: In Niger, rival jihad groups JNIM and ISSP are reported to be expanding, including an attack on Niamey’s airport that disrupted operations—another reminder of how insecurity can derail basic services. Agriculture and Resilience: KOPIA’s certified rice seed training in Ghana includes participants from Mali and aims to boost local seed production and cut dependence on imported rice. Mining Pressure in Mali: Tribals in Khandual Mali renewed opposition to a proposed mining project, warning it could damage forests and water sources.

Food Security & Climate Risk: UN food agencies warn acute hunger will worsen between June and November 2026 across 13 hunger hotspots, driven by conflict, funding cuts and El Niño-linked climate shocks—Mali is listed among the countries at very high concern. Health & Vector Control: WHO reports malaria cases rose by nine million in 2024, with mosquitoes adapting faster than control efforts; Insect Week highlights the need to tackle mosquito behavior and breeding. Local Energy for Resilience: Mali is featured in a push to bring off-grid solar power to underserved communities, framed as a way to fight energy poverty while cutting emissions. Governance & Environment Finance: Mali’s finance minister urges stronger West African tax cooperation in Bamako to fund development priorities, including services that help communities cope with environmental and climate pressures. Agriculture Value Chains: West Africa’s rice push focuses on investing in productivity, processing and market links to reduce costly imports and strengthen rural jobs. Mining, Land and Water Pressure: Across West Africa, illegal artisanal mining is blamed for major environmental damage, including forest loss and farm destruction—raising pressure for tougher enforcement and regional action. Ports & Regional Trade: Ghana’s Port of Keta moves forward after an EIA certificate, drawing 42 investor interests and aiming for operations by January 2027—an example of how infrastructure can reshape regional livelihoods.

Food Security Watch: UN agencies warn acute hunger will worsen between June and November 2026 across 13 hotspots, driven by conflict, funding cuts and El Niño-linked climate shocks—Mali is named among the countries at risk. Sahel Resilience: The IsDB says 32 of its 57 member states are fragile or at risk, with the Sahel (including Mali) facing rising displacement from conflicts, climate shocks and food shortages. Mining & Forests: Tribals in Khandual Mali renewed an anti-mining pledge, saying a proposed project could destroy forests and damage water sources, and demanding cancellation of the mining lease without Gram Sabha consent. Oxygen Access: Air Liquide launched its Access Oxygen programme in Madagascar, including in Mali, to expand affordable oxygen in rural primary healthcare centers—aimed at cutting deaths from respiratory complications. Plastic Pollution Policy: Ghana’s polystyrene foam ban is sparking pushback from manufacturers over jobs and investment costs, with calls for more time and financial support—relevant for regional waste and plastics policy debates. Health & Mosquitoes: A dengue case tied to a visitor highlights the need to remove standing water to reduce mosquito breeding and lower disease risk.