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On Monday 7 December, a delegation from Mali, signed a Memoranda of Understanding between The University of Western Australia and two Malian universities specialising in agricultural sciences.

The MOUs between The UWA Institute of Agriculture and the University of Segou, and the Rural Polytechnic Institute of Katibougou, are the first step to formal discussions between the universities for the training of Malian graduates in agricultural sciences and agribusiness courses at UWA’s Faculty of Science and Business School.  It is also anticipated there will be future staff exchanges and joint research activities.

The agreements pave the way for research and capacity building needed to develop the Malian meat and livestock industry that could lead to significant opportunities for Australian investors and industry.

WA’s Honorary Consul for the Republic of Mali, Dr Max de Vietri said Mali and WA share many similarities in terms of climate, soil development and subsoil geology. As such, there is potential for Mali to develop a viable livestock industry similar to that in WA.

“Mali’s livestock is one of the largest in Sub-Saharan Africa, estimated at ten million cattle, 13 million sheep and 19 million goats,” Dr de Vietri said.

“Even though it is still in the artisanal stages, when compared to WA’s estimated 2.8 million cattle, 14 million sheep and one million goats, the potential for this industry in terms of export is huge.”

UWA, which is ranked 1st in Australia and 25th worldwide for agricultural sciences, has a lot to offer Mali in terms of capacity building in in animal production and sustainable grazing systems according to UWA Institute of Agriculture Director, Professor Kadambot Siddique.

“Training in animal husbandry and genetics techniques, cattle feed manufacturing, expertise in pasture and forage production, and modern abattoirs complying with international standards for production of meat for domestic and regional markets would transform Mali’s meat and livestock industry,” Professor Siddique said.

Malian Ambassador to Australia, Mr Mahamane Elhadji Bania Touré said Mali is keen to develop a long term relationship with UWA in capacity building, research and development.

“There’s a real need to educate and train young Malian professionals in modern livestock production technologies and business studies, and UWA is very well placed to assist with this,” Ambassador Touré said.

“The ultimate goal is for Australian meat and livestock enterprises to establish joint ventures with Malian entrepreneurs to help grow the Malian livestock industry.”

Mali’s livestock industry has the potential to replace gold its second major export, and simultaneously create investment opportunities for Australian enterprises. Whilst in Perth, the delegation will meet with other institutions and organisations to promote Mali as a future destination for investment in meat and livestock.

Media references

Dr Max de Vietri (Honorary Consul of Mali in Western Australia)                            (+61 4) 13 692 739

Prof Kadambot Siddique (UWA Institute of Agriculture)          (+61 8) 6488 7012 / (+61 4) 11 155 396

Diana Boykett (Communications Officer, The UWA Institute of Agriculture)

(+61 8) 6488 3756 / (+61 4) 04 152 262