Analysis for current trends in the development of entrepreneurship in West Africa: trends and features of Mali
https://doi.org/10.46554/1993-0453-2026-5-259-9-24
Abstract
The article analyzes current trends in the development of entrepreneurship in West Africa in the period of 2022–2025 with a focus on Mali. It is shown that after the slowdown in the venture capital market, the shift from equity financing to alternative instruments (debt transactions, convertible notes, syndicates, grants and guarantees) is increasing, and fintech is becoming the key driver of entrepreneurial activity. The spread of mobile money, digital wallets, and individual blockchain services reduces the transaction costs of SMEs, accelerates turnover, and creates a digital footprint that increases access to finance in the conditions of a weak traditional banking infrastructure. Using the example of Mali, the paradox of sustainability is revealed: with political and institutional instability and a change in the regime of regional integration, the entrepreneurial ecosystem retains growth potential due to the compensatory mechanisms – digital financial solutions, a network of incubators and government/donor support programs. The tools and target groups of PAFEEM, PACEM, INCLUSIF, FACEJ programs aimed at youth and women, digital skills development, export competitiveness, and access to finance are considered. scaling up SMEs, but distributed solar generation and mini-grid projects are creating. The infrastructural factor is separately allocated: electricity shortage remains a barrier to new entrepreneurial niches and increasing business sustainability. It is concluded that the combination of fintech and distributed energy creates a sustainable infrastructure basis for businesses, allowing entrepreneurship in the Sahel countries to develop even with ongoing political and infrastructural risks.
About the Author
Makane Keita
Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Keita Makane – postgraduate student
Kazan
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For citations:
Keita M. Analysis for current trends in the development of entrepreneurship in West Africa: trends and features of Mali. Vestnik of Samara State University of Economics. 2026;(5):9-24. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.46554/1993-0453-2026-5-259-9-24
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