Innovations and business in Mali

Africa needs stability and innovations for its development. The international community has rallied around Mali as it emerged from its crisis, and this climate offers an opportunity to envisage technological, societal, organisational and even institutional innovations which might revitalise the economy. It is still necessary to find an African and Malian development strategy which recognises global sustainable development, is adapted to the context of the 21st century, and aims to create well-being for everyone. Should France, Europe and their businesses have a place in the development and implementation of these new strategies? Does the European commitment to implement sustainable and responsible systems of production give it a comparative advantage to build alliances with Africa? To try and find the answers to these questions, the French Development Agency, the École de Paris du management and the Fondation Charles Léopold Mayer pour le progrès de l’homme took the initiative of organising a discussion seminar where those in business and public institutions were invited to express their opinions.