Relations between Switzerland and Mali are good. They are based on Switzerland's long-standing commitment to international cooperation and to a lasting peace in Mali.
Switzerland is committed to improving security, stability and development in Mali. This support is implemented through three foreign policy instruments: development cooperation, humanitarian aid and peace policy.
Switzerland and Mali have signed a wide range of bilateral treaties (trade, economic cooperation, mutual investment protection and civil aviation). The volume of trade in 2024 was CHF 115 million. Switzerland's leading exports to Mali are pharmaceuticals and machinery. Imports from Mali are almost exclusively made up of gold.
Researchers and artists who are citizens of Mali can apply to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists (SERI)
Switzerland supports activities aimed at promoting peace and preventing armed violence in Mali. Switzerland encourages Malian initiatives for national reconciliation and carries out projects for the protection of the civilian population (promotion of international humanitarian law).
Switzerland also supports civilian-military exchanges that help build trust between civilians and Malian security forces.
In addition, Switzerland is helping to develop the civilian component of the Ecole de Maintien de la Paix. Lastly, Switzerland seconds Swiss civilian and police experts to international organisations (re-establishment of state authority, judicial and security reform).
It also supports cultural initiatives so that they can fully play their role in citizen participation in local governance, while contributing to human and economic development. These initiatives act as levers for social cohesion, mediation and efforts to counteract violence.
In Mali, Switzerland is active mainly in rural development, food security, governance, peacebuilding, basic education and vocational training.
Mali has been gripped by a severe security and humanitarian crisis since 2012. It faces challenges in the areas of peace and security, fighting poverty, governance, education in emergencies, health and employment. Switzerland supports the authorities and people of Mali in their efforts to address these challenges.
According to statistics on the Swiss abroad, 38 Swiss citizens were living in Mali and 264 Malian citizens were living in Switzerland as of mid-2025.
On 26 September 1960, the Federal Council recognised the Republic of Mali, establishing diplomatic relations in 1961.
The SDC has maintained a presence in Mali since the great droughts of the 1970s. Its aid initially focused on environmental protection, water supply and health.
Last update 18.09.2025
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