Includes how major projects are financed and gives examples where relevant. Explains activities of the multilateral development banks in and other aid-funded projects where procurement is open to U.S. bidders.

Foreign donors and multilateral development banks fund most infrastructure projects. U.S. firms can bid on projects funded by multilateral development banks, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and other donors. Mali often takes advantage of the diversity of donors to implement large infrastructure projects funded through long-term loan contracts with non-traditional donors like China, India, or the Islamic Development Bank. Traditional donors’ contributions remain significant. The World Bank’s portfolio of projects exceeds $1 billion. The Islamic Development Bank has over $400 million in ongoing projects in Mali. USAID provides significant funding for projects in the health, education, and agriculture sectors. The European Union and African Development Bank are involved in infrastructure project financing. The IMF and France provide budgetary support to the Government of Mali.  Mali benefited from debt relief in the 2000s which has allowed it to receive additional loans for development projects.

Multilateral Development Banks
The Commercial Service maintains Commercial Liaison Offices in each of the main Multilateral Development Banks, including the Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank. These institutions lend billions of dollars in developing countries on projects aimed at accelerating economic growth and social development by reducing poverty and inequality, improving health and education, and advancing infrastructure development. The Commercial Liaison Offices help American businesses learn how to get involved in bank-funded projects, and advocate on behalf of American bidders. Learn more by contacting the:

Commercial Liaison Office to the African Development Bank
Commercial Liaison Office to the World Bank

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.