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.

75of 100
Severe

Band 5 of 5

▬ Unchanged on last week

Africa

Mali

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?

Staff movement and duty of careSevere

Foreign governments warn against all travel, the highest level of warning.

Armed conflict and political violenceSevere

Sustained lethal conflict or armed violence is being reported.

Protest and civil unrestGuarded

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.

0%50%100%

Likelihood ranges are editorial judgments, not advice.

What does it mean for shipping, supply chains and operations?

Supply chain

Trade equals 49% of GDP (2025 data). Map tier one and tier two suppliers here and hold buffer stock for critical inputs.

Operations

Only essential operations with specialist security support are advisable.

Key facts

GDPUS$30.1 billionLatest data, 2025
Real GDP growth5.6%Latest data, 2025
Inflation3.3%Latest data, 2025
Trade49% of GDPLatest data, 2025
Population25.2 millionLatest data, 2025

How has the Mali threat score moved?

657075808590Aug 9Aug 23Sep 6Sep 20Oct 4Oct 18Aug 9: 76Aug 16: 77Aug 23: 78Aug 30: 77Sep 6: 77Sep 13: 76Sep 20: 76Sep 27: 76Oct 4: 76Oct 11: 76Oct 18: 75Oct 25: 7575

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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