📋 Tender Overview
In Mali, businesses face major constraints such as financing, electricity, access to information, support services, and access to markets. To address these challenges, Switzerland supports PIATE, an initiative of the Malian Employers' Association. This project aims to establish a center for information, guidance, and strategic assistance to businesses. It is part of a structured and sustainable public-private partnership. This approach reflects the consistency of Buco's commitment to the private sector.
Country/region Topic Period Budget
Mali
Inclusive economic Development
Business support & economic inclusion
SME development
Vocational training
01.10.2025 - 30.09.2028
CHF 1’000’000
The project in brief
Background The Malian economy is dominated by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which represent more than 90% of economic units. Although largely informal (approximately 80%), they contribute nearly a third of GDP and generate more than 70% of jobs. However, these businesses operate in an unfavorable environment, marked by difficulties in accessing financing, energy, markets, information, support services, and a suitable tax framework. Since 2012, the security crisis has exacerbated these constraints, particularly in rural and fragile areas. In response, the Malian Employers' Association – which represents 40 professional groups – launched the Project for Innovation and Accelerated Business Transformation (PIATE). Swiss Cooperation supports this project, which focuses on creating an information, guidance, and strategic support center for businesses. This collaboration aims to improve access for businesses and the population, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas, to formalization and entrepreneurial development services. It will strengthen the Employers' Association's commitment to Swiss initiatives, especially those related to economic development and skills.
Objectives To contribute to strengthening and streamlining the business ecosystem in Mali and to make MSMEs competitive businesses in their market segments.
Target groups • 1,500 formal and informal micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, members or not of the Malian Employers' Association, operating in various sectors of activity in the regions of Sikasso, Ségou and the District of Bamako. • Incubators and accelerators • Young people, women and adults aspiring to start their own business.
Medium-term outcomes 1. Businesses, whether formal or informal, members of the CNPM or not, have easier access to relevant information and quality support services that strengthen their development, management and innovation capacity. 2. Private and public initiatives supporting businesses and entrepreneurship are managed more rationally thanks to good coordination and learning facilitated by the CNPM.
Results Expected results: 1.1. Establishment of a physical center for information, guidance and support for businesses (CNPM Kodonso). 1.2. Digitalisation of the
