Mali Military Spending
Military expenditure as % of GDP MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS
Mali's military spending was 4.17% in 2025, ranked 16th globally. This represents a 0.8% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1961–2025.
Overview
Mali's military spending stood at 4.17% in 2025, a decline of +0.03% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 4.17% by 2025. Mali ranked 16th globally.
Mali’s military expenditure has risen steadily over the 63‑year series, reaching 4.17 % of GDP in 2025, which places the country 16th in the world. After a low of 1.16 % in 2013, spending climbed to an all‑time high of 4.20 % in 2024 before a modest pull‑back the following year. The upward trajectory mirrors the pattern observed in peer nations such as Burundi, whose 2025 share stood at 4.20 %, and Poland, which recorded 4.27 % in the same period, suggesting a regional emphasis on defence budgeting amid security challenges. The early 1960s baseline of 2.70 % indicates that Mali’s current level is markedly higher than the initial post‑independence period, reflecting both internal and external pressures that have reshaped fiscal priorities. If regional stability improves or alternative security arrangements are adopted, the upward pressure on Mali’s defence share could moderate, potentially curbing the pace of future increases.
Data & projection
| Year | Military Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 4.56% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 4.36% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 4.17% | - | - |
| 2025 | 4.17% | −0.03% | #16 |
| 2024 | 4.20% | +0.42% | #135 |
| 2023 | 3.77% | +0.68% | #137 |
| 2022 | 3.09% | −0.29% | #131 |
| 2021 | 3.38% | −0.02% | #134 |
| 2020 | 3.40% | +0.65% | #133 |
| 2019 | 2.75% | −0.07% | #126 |
| 2018 | 2.82% | −0.21% | #131 |
| 2017 | 3.03% | +0.44% | #128 |
| 2016 | 2.59% | +0.23% | #123 |
| 2015 | 2.36% | +0.84% | #116 |
| 2014 | 1.52% | +0.35% | #86 |
| 2013 | 1.16% | −0.04% | #60 |
| 2012 | 1.20% | −0.04% | #63 |
| 2011 | 1.24% | −0.13% | #61 |
Analysis
Mali's military spending was 4.17% in 2025, a decline of −0.03% from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 4.17% by 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mali's military spending was 4.17% in 2025. Ranked 16th globally. This represents a 0.8% decrease from the previous year.
Mali's military spending peaked at 4.20% in 2024.
The lowest military spending in Mali was 1.16% in 2013.
Mali ranks 16th globally in military spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Mali's military spending is projected to reach 4.17% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The military spending of Mali in 2025 was 4.17%. This ranks 16th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_mali_military-spending,
title = {Mali Military Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/mali/military-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}