Reform of the Public Treasury: Mali is banking on digitalization to modernize its finances
Bamako – Amid significant budgetary pressures, including a recent loan of 38.5 billion CFA francs from financial markets, the Minister of Economy and Finance of Mali, Alousseni Sanou, has defended the ongoing reform of the public treasury and the digitalization of public finances as key drivers of modernization and transparency.
Among the achievements cited is a 46% increase in tax revenues, made possible by the integration of merchant codes and the launch of the digital platform “Tresoray”, reflecting a strong commitment to making the financial administration more efficient. These innovations are part of a broader strategy of administrative and economic restructuring led by the transitional authorities.
However, this modernization effort is unfolding alongside some troubling warning signs. Nearly three-quarters of the borrowed amount will need to be repaid as early as next year, and at market interest rates, adding mounting pressure on public finances.
Nevertheless, the positive rating recently obtained by Mali from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has reopened access to credit markets, signaling a renewed sense of confidence. According to the government, this trajectory would allow the gradual clearance of salary arrears and repayment of part of the domestic debt, especially to local economic operators.
In response to criticism over the high proportion of the state budget allocated to salaries, the minister emphasized the need to pair digitalization with structural reform. He called for stricter management of public commitments, systematic auditing of expenditures, and better coordination with regional partners to avoid the trap of excessive indebtedness.
For the budget modernization to be truly effective, it must also boost national savings—which remain low—and encourage local investment. Without these solid foundations, digital tools risk becoming little more than technological window dressing for a still fragile public financial system.
