In response to practices deemed non-compliant by Chinese companies in the mining and oil sectors, Mali and Niger are strengthening their regulations regarding foreign investment. Thus, the authorities in Mali and Niger have adopted a stricter stance towards Chinese investors active in their extractive industries. While Bamako is demanding an end to illegal mining activities, Niamey is calling for a restructuring of the oil collaboration with the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC).

Better Regulation of Mining in Mali

In Mali, illegal mining involving Chinese citizens has prompted a vigorous response from the authorities. General Abdoulaye Maïga, Prime Minister of Mali, organized a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Chen Zhihong. This meeting was attended by several ministers and secretaries general.

This meeting provided an opportunity to assess illegal mining activities identified between 2021 and 2025, as well as their environmental and societal consequences. Officials in Mali called for an immediate halt to these activities and strict compliance with the country’s laws regarding the exploitation of natural resources.

Malian authorities also suspended artisanal mining licenses issued to foreigners and are considering establishing a coordination system with the Chinese embassy. This measure comes in a situation characterized by a mining incident that occurred on February 17, 2025, in Bilalikoto. This tragedy resulted in the deaths of 48 individuals, highlighting the dangers associated with the uncontrolled exploitation of Mali’s subsoil.

National Preference in Niger

The government of Niger announced tough action at a meeting with the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), the main Chinese player in the country’s oil sector. The company is accused by Nigerien authorities of failing to comply with reforms and favoring foreign labor over local workers.

On March 6, 2025, Niamey demonstrated its rigor by canceling the license of the Soluxe International Hotel, a hotel owned by Chinese nationals. Furthermore, the authorities are now demanding the standardization of salary scales, the state takeover of key sectors, and a reevaluation of subcontracting contracts to offer more opportunities to local companies. These choices are governed by Decree No. 2024-34, which requires foreign companies to appoint national representatives in strategic positions.

Reaffirming the Economic Sovereignty of Sahelian States

These economic tensions are part of a broader desire to reaffirm the economic sovereignty of Sahelian states. Officials in Bamako and Niamey are considering reviewing their international collaborations. Three major issues explain this development:

• Increased control over natural resources to maximize national profits
• The desire to reduce economic dependence by diversifying partners
• Popular pressure against practices deemed predatory by certain foreign companies

A turning point in Sino-Sahelian relations

These developments represent a turning point in Sino-Sahelian ties, traditionally defined by Beijing’s strong economic involvement. In response to growing demands from the authorities in Mali and Niger, China is likely to revise its strategy to preserve its influence in this region.

Chen Zhihong, the Chinese Ambassador to Mali, has suggested the establishment of a coordination system to better supervise investments and avoid conflicts. A similar strategy could be adopted in Niger to avoid escalating tensions. However, these talks appear complicated, as they required a revision of the terms of collaboration, which, until now, have primarily favored Chinese companies.