• The initiative stems from Mali Digital Awards, supporting local startups
• It offers tailored support, funding, and market access, aiming to foster "Made in Mali" digital leaders

The Malian government inaugurated the Mali Digital Accelerator on Thursday, March 20, a program designed to support the development of the national tech ecosystem. The program will provide startups with tailored support, strategic funding, and market access.

The initiative aligns with the government’s ambition to build a strong and resilient digital economy, leveraging technology for economic growth, modernization, and prosperity. The government aims to foster the emergence of "Made in Mali" digital leaders.

According to the Ministry of Communication, Digital Economy, and Administrative Modernization, the program will address challenges faced by sector players, including funding shortages, lack of mentorship, and infrastructure access difficulties.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) supports this view, emphasizing that accelerators can unlock startup potential in emerging markets. "Accelerators scout for high-growth potential entrepreneurs and provide training, mentorship, and networking, often alongside seed capital. They help entrepreneurs grow their business faster, or recognize when their ideas are not viable, encouraging them to pivot or exit the market. Successful participation in recognized acceleration programs also signals quality to investors, helping promising firms secure additional funding," the IFC said in a report published in February 2025.

The IFC stressed that effective accelerators in low-income countries must align incentives with local market conditions. The institution recommended integrating into regional investment networks, strengthening connections with the local private sector, and fostering angel investment and venture capital networks in lower-middle-income countries.

"Accelerators can focus on specialization and scale in more developed emerging markets—creating industry-specific programs, building cross-border networks for market expansion, and connecting local startups to global value chains," the IFC added.

By Isaac K. Kassouwi,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji