The verdict in three sentences
In Mali, the one-stop shop attached to API-Mali (the investment promotion agency) centralizes company-creation formalities in Bamako. A SARL can be registered in 72 hours to a week, with flexible capital and an RCCM issued at the counter. The tax registration (NIF) and social affiliation are integrated into the same journey, for an order of magnitude of 30,000 to 100,000 FCFA in fees in 2026.
The Bamako one-stop shop in practice
The one-stop shop has cut the shuttling between the commercial court registry, the tax directorate (DGI) and the INPS (social security). In one file, the entrepreneur obtains the RCCM, the NIF (tax identification number) and, if employing staff, the INPS registration.
Common forms are the sole proprietorship, the SARL (single- or multi-member) and the SA for larger projects. For a digital project, the single-member SARL offers good protection without heaviness.
| Step | Where | Timeline (2026 estimate) | Cost (order of magnitude FCFA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name reservation | API-Mali one-stop shop | A few hours | Free to 5,000 |
| Filing articles | Counter (private) or notary | 1 to 2 days | 0 to 150,000 |
| RCCM registration | Registry via counter | 72 h to 5 days | 25,000 to 50,000 |
| NIF issuance | DGI via counter | Included | Free to 10,000 |
| INPS registration | INPS via counter | Included | Free |
| Legal publication | Authorized journal | 2 to 5 days | 15,000 to 30,000 |
Costs and SME financing
Cost depends on the form and on using a notary. Here are 2026 orders of magnitude in Bamako.
| Form | Suggested capital | Estimated total fees | Overall timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole proprietorship | None | 25,000 to 45,000 FCFA | 48 to 72 h |
| Single-member SARL (private) | 100,000 FCFA | 50,000 to 100,000 FCFA | 72 h to 5 days |
| SARL (notary) | 100,000 FCFA+ | 150,000 to 300,000 FCFA | 5 to 7 days |
| SA | 10,000,000 FCFA | 400,000 to 700,000 FCFA | 1 to 2 weeks |
On financing, several SME and youth-entrepreneurship support schemes exist in Mali; they can co-fund equipment and digitalization. Always check the current official rates at the one-stop shop, as fees change.
The Kolonell referral program
Supporting an entrepreneur does not stop at registration: they then need an online presence. The Kolonell referral program pays you on every project, with a recurring 5% commission on the maintenance of sites and stores:
| Project type | Sale commission | Recurring |
|---|---|---|
| Showcase site | 15% | 5% / month |
| E-commerce | 12% | 5% / month |
| Marketplace | 10% | — |
| Institutional | 8% | — |
The recurring share is key: ten maintained sites at 75,000 FCFA/month pay you 37,500 FCFA/month in passive income (5%).
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Mini case study
Fatoumata, a craftswoman in Bamako, creates a single-member SARL at the one-stop shop: name reservation 5,000, RCCM 40,000, free NIF, publication 20,000 — so 65,000 FCFA in 4 days. She then becomes a Kolonell referral partner and places five showcase sites at 500,000 FCFA: 5 × 75,000 = 375,000 FCFA in immediate commission, plus 5% monthly recurring that funds her working capital.
FAQ
What capital for a SARL in Mali?
Capital is flexible and can be set at 100,000 FCFA in the articles. It must be genuinely paid into an account in the company's name.
Is the NIF paid?
The NIF is usually issued within the one-stop-shop flow, at no major cost. Some ancillary file fees may apply depending on the form.
How long to create a SARL?
Expect 72 hours to a week with a complete file, a bit more if you use a notary for high capital.
Which documents do you get?
At the end you receive the RCCM, the NIF and, if employing, an INPS registration. Legal publication finalizes the company's birth.
Can you get financial support?
Yes, several Malian schemes support SMEs and young entrepreneurs. Check in advance to co-fund your equipment and digitalization.
Let's talk about your project. Your company is registered in Bamako: let's give it an online storefront that sells. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.