Overview
Mali has several private medical facilities that are looking to upgrade their equipment and services and have expressed interest in U.S. equipment. In addition, illegal imports and the import of counterfeit pharmaceutical products is a challenge in Mali. Mali’s first pharmaceutical factory has had financial difficulties and has produced a limited number of products for domestic consumption; a second pharmaceutical factory opened in 2018.
Leading Sub-sectors
Private clinics are seeking to upgrade equipment in all areas, and U.S. companies seeking to export medical equipment will find numerous opportunities in a variety of sectors. Mali imports numerous pharmaceutical products. Due to the lack of factories, expertise, and infrastructure, Mali will continue to import large quantities of all kinds of pharmaceuticals in the next several years.
Opportunities
Establishing connections with private clinics interested in the procurement of equipment from U.S. producers is the most efficient way to facilitate sales. Embassy Bamako’s Economic and Commercial section can facilitate such connections. For those interested in the sale of pharmaceutical products, using a local representative with an existing distribution network of pharmacies will increase pharmaceutical sales. Local partners will also be registered with Mali’s pharmaceutical guild and the Ministry of Health, which will ensure that Malian authorities can provide support in cases of counterfeit medicines and illegal importation.
Resources
- Order of Pharmacists’ website
- Embassy Bamako’s Commercial Section: BamakoEcon@state.gov