Insight

• Infinity Media
• 5 Min Read

Mali Billionaires: The Top 10 Richest Men In Mali

Mali, a West African country rich in culture and natural wealth, has witnessed the rise of influential business tycoons despite facing significant political and economic hurdles. These men have demonstrated resilience and innovation across various sectors—from real estate to hospitality, manufacturing to agriculture—building empires that contribute to national growth and offer employment to thousands.

This article highlights the top 10 richest men in Mali, analyzing their entrepreneurial journeys, investments, and contributions to Mali’s economy.

1. Mamadou Sinsy Coulibaly – Industrial Titan and Anti-Corruption Advocate

Mamadou Sinsy Coulibaly, popularly known as "Coulou", is arguably the most influential businessman in Mali. He is the founder of the Kledu Group, a diversified business empire that includes interests in:

• Media (Radio Kledu)

• Printing and publishing

• Insurance and catering

• Transportation and agribusiness

In 1992, he launched Radio Kledu—one of Mali’s earliest private radio stations. As of 2019, the Kledu Group employed more than 2,000 people across 50 companies. The group’s television subsidiary, Malivision, alone generates over €25 million annually. Coulibaly is also a former president of Mali’s National Council of Employers (CNPM), where he actively campaigned for business transparency and good governance.

2. Mossadeck Bally – Hotel Magnate and Hospitality Leader

Mossadeck Bally is a hotelier with deep roots in Mali’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. He is the founder and CEO of Azalaï Hotels Group, one of the leading West African hotel chains. Bally’s business acumen transformed Azalaï from a single hotel into a regional brand with branches in several West African countries including Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, and Guinea-Bissau.

Born into a business-oriented family, Bally was inspired by his father, Sidi Boubacar Bally. His contribution to Mali’s tourism and service industry is profound, generating employment, boosting tourism, and improving regional connectivity.

3. Ibrahima Diawara – The Diversification Strategist

Ibrahima Diawara has carved a niche for himself in several key sectors of the economy. He is the founder and CEO of the IBI Group, a diversified company with operations in:

• Construction

• Land and air transport

• Renewable energy

Under his leadership, the IBI Group records an impressive annual turnover exceeding €50 million. Diawara’s sharp focus on sustainable infrastructure and alternative energy projects has earned him recognition as a visionary business leader committed to Mali’s long-term development.

4. Seydou Kane – Real Estate Tycoon with Diverse Investments

Seydou Kane made his fortune primarily through real estate, owning several commercial and residential properties in Mali’s major cities. With an estimated fortune exceeding 50 billion CFA francs, he has diversified into:

• The food industry

• The petroleum sector

His strategic investments have not only increased his wealth but also improved housing availability and food distribution channels in Mali.

5. Basseydou Sylla – Transportation and Agribusiness Powerhouse

As the CEO of Sylla Transit Transports, Basseydou Sylla is a key figure in Mali’s logistics and transportation infrastructure. His company offers services across:

• Port and maritime transit

• Road and rail transportation

• Airport logistics

In addition to transit, Sylla has expanded into real estate and agribusiness, solidifying his influence across multiple sectors. His companies ensure the movement of goods across West Africa, supporting both import and export systems in Mali.

6. Georges Harage – The Industrial Manufacturing Mogul

Georges Harage has become synonymous with Mali’s industrial manufacturing growth. He manages an industrial group comprising:

• SOMAFAM (Malian Company for the Manufacture of Metallic Articles)

• Mali Lait SA (Dairy production)

• IMETAL (Metallurgy and processing)

His manufacturing businesses produce everyday consumer goods and industrial components essential for Mali’s domestic production capabilities. Harage’s operations support thousands of jobs and reduce Mali’s reliance on imports.

7. Cessé Komé – Real Estate Investor and Hospitality Specialist

Cessé Komé may be based in Côte d'Ivoire, but his investments in Mali are both prominent and profitable. His most notable Malian asset is Résidence KOME, a luxury hotel tailored to government officials, international guests, and business executives.

Komé’s interests span:

• Real estate development

• Construction services

• VIP accommodations

His upscale investments in Mali reflect the growing demand for high-end services in Bamako and other urban centers.

8. Alou Tomota – Mali’s Private Sector Giant

Alou Tomota is the CEO of Graphic Industries, one of Mali’s largest private sector employers. He started his journey in 1976 with the Papeterie Bookstore of Sudan (LPS), which became the official supplier to the government.

Over the years, he expanded into:

• Electric battery production (SOMAPIL)

• Insecticides and pesticides

• Foam mattresses (FOFY), in partnership with Cameroon’s FOTSO Group

Tomota’s vast business empire touches every facet of consumer life in Mali—from education supplies to home furnishings.

9. Cyril Achcar – Trade and Hospitality Leader

Cyril Achcar, a Malian of Lebanese descent, is a seasoned entrepreneur involved in:

• General trading

• Hospitality (hotels and restaurants)

• Agro-processing

His family has been in Mali for generations, and his deep understanding of the local market has enabled him to successfully manage hotels and flour mills across the country. Achcar’s role in food production and distribution has a direct impact on national food security.

10. Mandjou Simpara – Tech Distributor and Freight Forwarder

Mandjou Simpara is best known as the exclusive distributor of Samsung products in Mali, under the banner of his company, NBB. In addition to his technology ventures, Simpara also operates in:

• Freight forwarding

• Food product distribution

His work in the electronics space has made mobile phones and consumer electronics more accessible in Mali, while his freight services streamline importation and distribution across the country.

Summary Table: Top 10 Richest Men in Mali (2025)

Conclusion

Mali’s economic landscape may face significant hurdles, but these ten individuals have shown that with vision, determination, and smart investment, success is achievable even in challenging environments. Their contributions stretch beyond mere profit—they foster employment, promote innovation, and help build critical sectors like infrastructure, hospitality, manufacturing, and logistics.

Aspiring entrepreneurs can learn valuable lessons from these Malian business magnates. They are living proof that Africa holds vast potential for those who are ready to lead with integrity, creativity, and resilience.