Diaspora investment in sustainable rural youth entrepreneurship in Mali

Diaspora investment in sustainable rural youth entrepreneurship in Mali
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Through its Financing Facility for Remittances (FFR), IFAD is working to mobilize Malian migrant investment to encourage economic development entrepreneurism and employment in Mali, and to stimulate the economic inclusion of young Malians and offer them an alternative to migration, particularly in rural areas.

IFAD's intervention is based on 3 pillars:

1. Studying the capacities and needs of the diaspora in terms of investment

IFAD conducted a survey that analysed investment preferences of Malian migrants residing in France, Spain and Italy. This study has shown and try to evaluate the Malian diaspora’s interest in the economic development of its country of origin through support of business development, specifically in rural areas.

2. Identifying and supporting the implementation of adapted investment models

The programme has enabled IFAD to launch pilot projects in partnership with two high-impact investment companies: Investisseurs et Partenaires (I&P) and FADEV.

Since 2019, I&P has worked on launching the local investment fund Zira Capital in Mali, targeting investment in SMEs and start-ups. By enabling the creation of Ciwara Capital in France, I&P’s goal was to mobilize the diaspora to capitalize Zira’s fund. Ciwara Capital invests now in Malian SMEs either through the intermediary of Zira Capital or directly. For this pilot project, Ciwara Capital will raise EUR 200,000 from the diaspora to fund at least two Malian SMEs that will create 50 stable jobs.

FADEV has already invested in many SMEs in Mali. With this new project, the cooperative is to share its know-how by supporting six groups of diaspora investors to invest each securely and professionally in a company owned by relatives or a VSE in Mali’s agrifood industry. The objective is to raise a total of up to EUR 120,000. to create or stabilize 50 direct jobs, 50 per cent of which are held by women.

3. capitalizing and activating advocacy towards the concerned actors and authorities for an environment favorable to diaspora investments

IFAD and its partners are working to make institutional actors (donors, decision-makers) aware of the characteristics and potential of these investments for development in Mali. They are hoping to convince them to take concrete action to support these investments. They also act to make the diaspora aware of the investment options that exist, and the conditions needed to access them.

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Support: EU; Implementation: RMDA consultancy, diaspora organization ADEPT, impact investment companies FADEV and I&P