Foreign governments warn against all travel, the highest level of warning.
Country risk assessment ยท Africa
Mali political and security risk assessment
Mali carries a severe level of political and security risk for business. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 5 of 5), unchanged on last week and broadly stable over the last 12 weeks. Last updated Nov 2, 2026.
Band 5 of 5
▬ Unchanged on last week
Africa
What is the political and security risk in Mali right now?
Mali carries a severe level of political and security risk for business. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 5 of 5), unchanged on last week and broadly stable over the last 12 weeks.
Week on week the picture is steady. The main standing risks are foreign government warnings, sustained lethal conflict and heavy reporting of armed violence.
On the economic side, real GDP grew 5.6% in 2025 with inflation at 3.3%.
What are the main risks of operating in Mali?
Sustained lethal conflict or armed violence is being reported.
Protests occur but rarely disrupt operations.
What has changed recently in Mali?
Mali moved unchanged this week and fell 1 point over the last 12 weeks, from 76 to 75.
What happens next? Outlook for the next 1 to 3 months
We assess it is likely that Mali stays in the Severe band through the end of December. It sits 6 points from the High band.
Likelihood ranges are editorial judgments, not advice.
What does it mean for shipping, supply chains and operations?
Trade equals 49% of GDP (2025 data). Map tier one and tier two suppliers here and hold buffer stock for critical inputs.
Only essential operations with specialist security support are advisable.
Key facts
How has the Mali threat score moved?
Frequently asked questions
What is the political and security risk in Mali for business?
Mali carries a severe level of political and security risk for business. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Zed Three World Threat Map (band 5 of 5), unchanged on last week and broadly stable over the last 12 weeks.
What are the main geopolitical risks of operating in Mali?
The main risk drivers are staff movement and duty of care (severe); armed conflict and political violence (severe); protest and civil unrest (guarded). Foreign governments warn against all travel, the highest level of warning.
What is the outlook for Mali?
We assess it is likely (60 to 75%) that Mali stays in the Severe band through the end of December. It sits 6 points from the High band.
How often is the Mali risk assessment updated?
The Mali threat score is updated weekly on the Zed Three World Threat Map, and this assessment is reviewed monthly. It was last updated Nov 2, 2026.
Related country assessments
Published by Zed Three, a private, independent risk intelligence company. Assessment last updated Nov 2, 2026. Threat score updated weekly, last on Nov 2, 2026. General analysis for informational purposes, not security, legal or investment advice.
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