As Mali confronts the twin pressures of degrading woody resources and rising electricity demand, the country’s energy strategy has reached a pivotal moment. According to a recent opinion piece by Boubacar Sankaré, published in the Malian newspaper Le 26 Mars, the nation holds considerable untapped potential that could reshape its energy landscape—if the right choices are made.
Sankaré argues that Mali, despite its challenges, is well-positioned to become a significant player in the regional energy scene. The key, he suggests, lies in two possible paths: strengthening cross-border electricity interconnections with neighboring countries, or doubling down on renewable energy development—particularly solar power, which the country has in abundance.
A Natural Advantage in Solar Radiation
The editorial highlights a striking statistic: every locality in Mali receives between 5 and 6 kWh of solar radiation per square meter per day, with roughly twelve hours of sunshine daily throughout the year. That consistent, high-intensity sunlight gives the country a natural edge that many other nations lack.
Sankaré notes that the national potential for renewable energy is far greater than what has been officially documented, largely because exploration remains incomplete. He describes the country’s clean energy resources as “immense” and says that prominent stakeholders are eager to develop them—provided the work is done with method, rationality, and rigor.
The Case for Substituting Conventional Energy
The author makes a clear argument: renewable energies are becoming increasingly competitive and sustainable, and Mali should seek the appropriate ways and means to substitute them for conventional sources. This shift, he contends, is not just an environmental imperative but a practical one, given the growing needs of the population and the country’s economic sectors.
Access to electricity for the greatest number of Malian citizens, along with encouraging investment, are described as determining factors in this new orientation. Sankaré points to the Société Energie du Mali-SA as a privileged actor in the electricity sub-sector, but notes that the reality on the ground is more complicated. Persistent technological hurdles and difficulties in mobilizing credit continue to hinder ambitious national projects.
Beyond Policy: The Role of Stakeholders
While the framework for incentivizing investment in clean energy falls within the scope of national energy policy, Sankaré emphasizes that all stakeholders must do more. He calls for a stronger focus on benchmarking—studying best practices from elsewhere—and for a deeper exploration of current and foreseeable opportunities. The goal, he says, is to capitalize on the future development of renewable energies rather than let them languish.
The editorial stops short of prescribing specific policy measures, but its underlying message is clear: Mali’s energy future depends on deliberate, informed action. The country has the resources; what remains is the will and the execution.
Looking Ahead
As of August 2026, the conversation around Mali’s energy sector continues to evolve. The choice between grid interconnection and renewable exploitation is not necessarily an either/or proposition—many countries pursue both in tandem. But Sankaré’s piece serves as a reminder that opportunity alone is not enough. Without sustained investment, technological upgrades, and a coordinated effort among all players, even the most abundant solar resources can remain just that—potential, rather than power.
For now, the question is whether Mali’s leaders and industry actors will heed that call and turn the country’s natural advantages into tangible progress for its citizens.
Source: Le 26 Mars, via Boubacar Sankaré
Mali is a landlocked country that faces persistent problems in the supply of thermal electricity, due to the fluctuations and uncertainties that hang over the permanent availability of hydrocarbons.
