Mali Business Etiquette
Mali is the largest of the West African countries, but is also one of the world's poorest countries. Malian economy centers on agriculture and mining, with cotton, gold and livestock being its main exports. Mali has membership in several multi-national economic organizations and actively trades with China, Thailand, France, Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire. Malians are hospitable toward international visitors and may invite visitors into their homes. Knowing both business and social etiquette is important to avoid missteps.
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Dress Code
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Although a secular state, the dominant religion of the Malian population is Muslim. Foreigners, both male and female, should adhere to conservative forms of dress. For formal business meetings, men should wear lightweight suits and ties in darker colors, but for most other meetings, a light, open-neck shirt is appropriate. Women should avoid displaying expensive accessories and jewelry. Skirts should be below the knee and dresses should have sleeves. While some industries may allow casual attire, women should avoid jeans and revealing clothing and both sexes should avoid wearing shorts.
Addressing Others
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Mali uses French conventions in business conduct. Use professional titles (in French) when meeting and addressing a business associate, for example, "Monsieur le Directeur" or "Madame la Docteur." Use titles until given permission to use a first or, more commonly, last name---Malians often address one another by last name. Younger visitors should initiate greetings as a sign of respect to an elder.
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Meetings
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Although meetings typically start late, guests should be on time to engage in small talk. Plan for meetings to last longer than scheduled and maintain a patient and flexible attitude. Do not interrupt a speaker. At the end of a meeting, always exchange business cards. Give and receive cards (and anything else you handle) with the right hand.
Communication
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Malians may speak one of 50 ethnic languages, but the most common local language is Bambara---also called Bamanankan and Bamana. If visiting a home, hosts appreciate your learning a greeting in Bambara, but speaking French is essential for business, educational, media and governmental purposes.
Gifts
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A complex set of social rules regulates gift giving---dama---in Malian society. The purpose of a gift is to sustain social connections. Expect the recipient to pass the gift to someone else. Each recipient continues to pass it on until it, or its successor, makes its way back to the original giver. One study showed that Malians give away more than one gift each day. Gifts are often simple items of daily use, such as a pen, notebook or household decoration. If invited to a home for dinner, do not bring the hostess a gift. The host would feel he had failed to provide for his guests.
Marketplace
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In the marketplace, a different set of rules governs behavior. Prices are often inflated due to the ritual of bartering. Obtain permission before taking photography.
Business Week
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According to the Malian Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie, business hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Fridays to allow for mosque.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit mali image by NL shop from Fotolia.com
