Mali's Bamako markets see sharp rise in food and livestock prices

In Bamako, the cost of staple foods has surged, putting household budgets under severe strain. Vendors report that a bag of onions now costs between 15,000‑17,500 F CFA, forcing sellers to charge 300 F per kilo, while potatoes are sold at 500 F per kilo. A tomato basket fluctuates from 10,000 to 20,000 F CFA, and condiments and meat have become unaffordable for many families, prompting some sellers to offer micro‑portions for as little as 100 F.

At the same time, the upcoming Tabaski celebration is being impacted by an unprecedented rise in sheep prices. Security concerns, high transport costs and the doubling price of livestock feed have limited animal supply. Sheep that sold for 125,000‑150,000 F CFA last year are now listed at 200,000‑250,000 F CFA, while feed such as tourteau has risen from 9,000 F CFA to 19,000 F CFA. Authorities are working to reopen temporary market stalls and launch promotional sales, but the combination of market closures and rising input costs has created a crisis for consumers and traders alike.