Water supply and sanitation in Mali

Water supply and sanitation in Mali are characterized by several challenges. Mali is a low-income country in north-west Africa: As of 2025, it ranks 188 on the United Nations Human Development Index (out of 193 countries). The country's rapid growth in population in recent years, combined with limited infrastructure, has contributed to the restricted access of clean water and proper sanitation. Initiatives by the government, USAID and other international organizations have improved access to safe drinking water. Inequalities between rural and urban areas continue to persist: Only about 68% of the rural population in Mali has access to basic drinking water service, while 27% of the rural population is using unprotected water resources for drinking water or household use. Unclean water increases the risk of waterborne diseases that can be potentially fatal. These can include parasitic infections or diarrheal diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery. Main surface waters are the Niger and Senegal rivers and their tributaries. Irregular rainfall and a decrease in rainfall affect the availability of water resources. Water availability is also critical for food security in Mali. Mali's progress in expanding water and sanitation infrastructure relies on many factors, such as policy change and increased community education, and the resources to implement the infrastructure depend heavily on external funding and national policy.