Rendez-vous du 15 juillet 2026

At the end of the program, we'll review Modibo Keïta's five-year plan. Modibo Keïta's First Five-Year Plan (1961-1966): The Gamble of Sovereignty Launched in the wake of independence, President Modibo Keïta's first five-year plan remains a major milestone in Mali's history. Conceived under socialist principles, this ambitious plan aimed above all to break with colonial structures in order to build a modern, autonomous, and dignified state. Here are the main advantages and achievements of this historic initiative: The Assertion of Economic Sovereignty: To end dependence on the former colonial power, the plan enabled the creation of major financial and commercial tools. It was during this period that major state-owned enterprises were established (such as SOMIEX for import-export and COMATEX for textiles), as well as the national currency, the Malian franc, created in 1962. Local industrialization: Mali began processing its own raw materials. Cotton processing plants, sugar refineries, and cement factories were built, laying the foundations for a national industrial base and reducing imports of essential goods. An unprecedented push for education and health: The five-year plan prioritized human development. Access to schooling was democratized through the massive construction of schools and large-scale literacy campaigns. Similarly, public health infrastructure was significantly strengthened to cover the entire country. Developing the agricultural sector: Through the reorganization of the Office du Niger and the establishment of agricultural cooperatives, the government sought to modernize farming practices, support farmers, and strive for food self-sufficiency. In summary: While the plan subsequently faced complex economic and financial realities, it had the historical merit of laying the industrial foundations of Mali and instilling in the Malian people immense national pride and a culture of self-reliance.