Mali: General Assimi GOÏTA makes agriculture the pillar of sustainable food sovereignty

Under the leadership of General Assimi GOÏTA, Mali is making determined progress toward food sovereignty. The 15th session of the High Council for Agriculture (CSA), held on May 6, 2025, at the Koulouba Palace, is concrete proof of this commitment. Chaired by the Head of State himself, this strategic meeting brought together key players in the rural sector—ministers, representatives of farmers’ organizations, and experts—to review progress, identify challenges, and explore the future of Malian agriculture.

At the heart of the discussions was a powerful observation: despite challenges related to insecurity and climate variability, Malian agriculture remains strong. With over 11 million tons of cereals produced, 640,000 tons of seed cotton, 113,000 tons of fish, and nearly 97.000 tons of inspected meat, the 2024 season shows remarkable resilience. The President of the Transition praised the commitment of producers and emphasized that this vital sector involves nearly 80% of the active population and contributes 40% to the national GDP.

General GOÏTA is not just observing—he is taking action. His government actively supports producers through subsidies for agricultural inputs, easier access to credit and land, mechanization, and the promotion of fish farming and livestock. For the 2025 season, several concrete measures were announced: guaranteed prices for cotton, significant reductions in the cost of fertilizers and seeds, and incentives for local processing. This coherent strategy focuses on enhancing agricultural value chains and strengthening the country’s self-reliance.

Ultimately, this CSA session fits squarely within the sovereignty-driven approach promoted by the Transitional authorities and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). General Assimi GOÏTA embodies the political will to make agriculture the foundation of a food-independent Mali by empowering producers and building a more stable, equitable, and prosperous rural future.