Includes typical use of agents and distributors and how to find a good partner, e.g., whether use of an agent or distributor is legally required.
Last Published: 7/15/2019

U.S. exporters should identify a local agent or distributor to assist in bringing goods to market in Mali. U.S. businesses should be aware, however, that entering a successful partnership or representational relationship can be difficult in Mali. The Malian judicial system is under-resourced, corrupt, and lacks transparency. U.S. businesses should therefore exercise extreme caution when entering contract arrangements. The U.S. Embassy in Bamako encourages American businesses to meet with the Embassy’s Commercial Office when traveling to Mali. The U.S. Embassy can provide information on local business practices and regulatory requirements, give market suggestions, and provide fee-based commercial services.  Fee-based services available for U.S. exporters include an International Company Profile (ICP) to provide due diligence research on a prospective partner, a Gold Key Service to design a tailored schedule of meetings with potential partners and/or distributors, a Single Company Promotion to reach a target audience of clients and key decision-makers, and other U.S. Department of Commerce-branded services.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.