Describes how widely e-Commerce is used, the primary sectors that sell through e-commerce, and how much product/service in each sector is sold through e-commerce versus brick-and-mortar retail. Includes what a company needs to know to take advantage of e-commerce in the local market and , reputable, prominent B2B websites.

Most products are sold through brick-and-mortar retail. eCommerce has yet to be developed in Mali as Internet penetration remains low. The UNCTAD eCommerce Index for 2017 shows that Mali ranks 124 out of 151 countries in terms of eCommerce. This ranking shows that only 11% of Malians use Internet, 20% have a bank account, and 64% consider access to finance as a major constraint. The Government of Mali created a Ministry of Digital Economy as well as a Regulatory Authority for Telecommunication and Postal Services and an authoriy in charge of protecting personal data. Mali’s Unit for Business Reform (Cellule technique des réformes du climat des affaires, or CTRCA) coordinates business climate reform efforts, including those related to intellectual property, personal data, and other relevant issues. Despite high-speed internet penetration in major cities, eCommerce remains marginal in Mali. Domestic eCommerce and cross-border eCommerce between businesses and consumers are insignificant in Mali where only a limited number of consumers have recourse to major international eCommerce companies. B2B eCommerce is not common in Mali due to the perceived risks  involved, including concerns about quality of products and about online payment. Social media platforms can facilitate B2B/B2C connections through advertisements. Malian businesspeople often cite lack of access to finance as a key challenge to importing large quantities of goods from the international market.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.