Mali: Seydou Keita Opens Agro-Industrial Complex Set to Employ Thousands

By Prince Kurupati

Former Barcelona footballer who hails from Mali recently launched his agro-industrial complex which is set to employ thousands directly and indirectly. Named the Seydou Diogo Awa Agro-industrial Complex, the complex will act as a value addition and beneficiation plant that processes produce from the locals.

Located in the Mali town of Sanankorobha, the complex sits on a 7-hectare area and brings together six industrial production units, including a production unit for edible vegetable oil, oil cake, and livestock feed; a shea butter production unit; a soap production unit; and a plastic can manufacturing unit.

Directly, the complex will employ 400 people. Owing to the fact that it's bankrolled by produce from local farmers, it will directly employ thousands of farmers, packaging staff and drivers.

Speaking at the official opening of the complex where he was the guest of honour, Mali's interim leader, Colonel Assimi Goita praised the former captain of the Mali national team Seydou Keita for ushering in a milestone development "in Keita's career and Mali's socio-economic development."

The official opening ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister, Presidents of Institutions, several members of the Government, diplomats accredited to the Republic of Mali and many other personalities, especially from the industrial and commercial sectors.

In his address to the press after touring the complex, Mali's interim leader reinforced the strategic importance of the industrial complex to Mali's economic development. He also highlighted the many benefits that this complex will bring to the rural commune of Sanankorobha which include job creation, skills training and stimulation of the local economy. Colonel Goita also called for increased collaboration between private and public sectors. He also lauded Seydou Keita for his patriotic act which he said must be emulated by Malian youth.

Writing for Invest-Time, Aissatou Amirah said the agro-industrial complex is "the fruit of an ambitious vision to transform local resources into quality finished products while creating added value for the national economy. The focus on the production of livestock feed and edible vegetable oil is particularly relevant for Mali, a country where agriculture plays a central role in the livelihood of its population. What’s more, the shea butter production unit is a nod to one of West Africa’s most emblematic products, known for its beneficial properties and potential on the international market."

According to various reports, Seydou Keita invested 14 billion FCFA (USD 23 million) to complete the complex. The work done by Keita is highly welcome considering that Mali is a low-income country whose rate of extreme poverty was accelerated under the combined impact of the security crises and the pandemic as reported by the World Bank. The tumultuous situation that’s prevailed in the country since the military coup of 2012 has led many to lose their source of livelihoods hence the emergence of a plant that employs thousands comes as a major welcome development.

Statistically, despite all that has been going on in the country, the World Bank reports that the Mali economy has proved resilient as its year-on-year growth rate keeps going up. The rebound in cereal production and the resilience of the mining sector have buttressed all the negative effects of the coup, ECOWAS sanctions as well as the consequences of the war in Ukraine.

Moreover, the Malian junta’s increased cooperation with Russia to boost its gold, oil, gas, lithium, and uranium production bolstered its energy independence and boosted state revenue. The move ensured that despite the sanctions the country faced, it racked in impressive revenue.

Adding to the long list of strategic economic wins that Mali has recorded in recent times is the deal that the Colonel Goita junta government entered with mining major, Barrick Gold. The deal will see Barrick Gold expand its exploration activities in the country to bolster the long-term sustainability of the Loulo-Gounkoto operation.

Seydou Keita’s agro-industrial complex, therefore, comes in a long list of positive stories for Mali. Not only is it an income-generating project for both Keita and the country at large, but it also provides refuge and livelihood to thousands who are desperately in need of help.