Mali Eyes Atlantic Access Through $800M Senegal River Corridor

AFRICAN BUSINESS AND ECONOMYFebruary 27, 2026 at 2:17 PM UTC

TLDR

Mali to obtain direct access to Atlantic Ocean via Senegal River commercial shipping corridor
Saint-Louis–Ambidédi corridor to connect Saint-Louis in Senegal to Ambidédi in Mali, spanning 900 kilometers
Project led by OMVS and SOGENAV to enhance Mali's economy by establishing navigable commercial artery

Landlocked Mali could gain direct access to the Atlantic Ocean under an ambitious plan to transform the Senegal River into a major commercial shipping corridor linking Mali to Senegal’s coast.

The Saint-Louis–Ambidédi corridor, scheduled for an official launch in April 2026, would connect the Atlantic port city of Saint-Louis in Senegal to Ambidédi in Mali’s Kayes region, spanning nearly 900 kilometers.

The project is led by the Organization for the Development of the Senegal River (OMVS) and its operational arm, SOGENAV, within a multilateral framework involving Mali, Senegal, Mauritania and Guinea.

With an estimated cost exceeding $800 million, or about 446 billion CFA francs, the initiative aims to establish a navigable commercial artery equipped with river ports, dredged channels and modern logistics terminals.

Mali’s economy has long been constrained by its landlocked status, relying heavily on road transport for exports such as cotton, gold and agricultural goods. High transport costs, security risks and delays have weighed on competitiveness.

Key Takeaways

Preliminary studies suggest river transport could reduce logistics costs by as much as 60%, potentially improving export margins and strengthening Mali’s trade balance. The corridor would also facilitate smoother imports of fuel, agricultural inputs and consumer goods, which could help stabilize domestic prices. However, significant challenges remain, including securing financing, ensuring governance transparency and maintaining river infrastructure. Technical hurdles include seasonal water-level variations, regular dredging requirements and safety across the full route. Beyond logistics, the corridor carries strategic implications. For Sahelian states seeking to reduce structural dependence on single trade routes, the project represents a push toward greater economic sovereignty and regional integration. If executed effectively, the Senegal River corridor could reshape trade dynamics in West Africa and offer Mali a transformative gateway to global markets.

Mali