How to Register a Sole Proprietorship in Mali

The Republic of Mali is a landlocked country in northwestern Africa. It is the eighth-largest country in Africa, consisting of the Sahara Desert in the north and Sudanian Savanna in the south, which lies on Senegal and the Niger rivers and where most residents live.

Mali's economy heavily depends on agriculture and gold mining, and most of the workforce is engaged in these sectors. Most of the economic activity in Mali is directed at exporting cotton and gold, which makes most of the country's revenue. The official language in Mali is French, and the country currency is the West African Franc CFCA.

Disclaimer: Be aware that this article is not a substitute for legal advice. Please always check official websites or seek legal advice before you take action. 

Registering a sole proprietorship in Mali

To register as a sole proprietor in Mali, you will need to fill the online form and submit it to the API-Mali (Mali Investment Promotion Agency).

You will need the following documents:

• Birth certificate
• Nationality certificate
• ID or passport 
• Proof of no criminal record

The registration procedure can also be done in person at the Mali Investment Promotion Agency One Stop Centre in Mali's capital city Bamako.

The registration fee is CFCA 8,000 (around EUR 12) and can be paid online or in-person at the One-Stop Centre.

Taxation system in Mali

Mali has a source-based taxation system, which means both residents and non-residents are subject to tax on income from any source in Mali.

For annual revenue under CFCA 330,000 (EUR 500), there is no income tax.

The income tax scale is progressive, and the rates vary from 0% to 37%. The highest rate is paid by the entities with a gross income exceeding CFCA 3,500,000 (EUR 5,330).

VAT in Mali

Any person who is doing business in Mali and has an annual taxable income over CFCA 50,000,000 (EUR 76,000) must register for Value Added Tax (VAT).

Value Added Tax is set at a rate of 18%. All eligible businesses are required to obtain a VAT registration number in the first 30 days after incorporation at the One-Stop Centre of Mali's IPA. 

The VAT reduced rate of 5% applies to computer hardware and solar energy equipment.