As of 2024, the top 1% in Mali earned 12.12% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 15.07%. Mali’s income inequality has decreased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 21.64%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Mali in 2024
In 2024, income in Mali was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 12.12% of total national income, which is notably lower than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 15.07% of income, roughly on par with the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Mali | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 12.12% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 44.94% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 15.07% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Mali?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Mali’s top 1% has decreased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 21.64% of national income. By 2024, this figure had fallen by 9.52 percentage points to 12.12%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Mali has narrowed over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 58.55% while the bottom 50% received 9.30%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 44.94% and 15.07% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 21.64% | 58.55% | 9.30% | 49.25 pp |
| 1986 | 21.64% | 58.55% | 9.30% | 49.25 pp |
| 1992 | 21.64% | 58.55% | 9.30% | 49.25 pp |
| 1998 | 17.17% | 51.82% | 11.58% | 40.24 pp |
| 2004 | 13.22% | 46.84% | 13.72% | 33.12 pp |
| 2010 | 9.94% | 41.63% | 16.17% | 25.46 pp |
| 2016 | 11.44% | 43.82% | 15.16% | 28.66 pp |
| 2022 | 12.12% | 44.94% | 15.07% | 29.87 pp |
How Mali Compares Globally
Mali vs Africa Average
Compared to other countries in Africa, Mali’s top 1% income share of 12.12% is notably lower than the regional average of 15.62%. The bottom 50% in Mali receives 15.07% of income, compared to the Africa average of 13.46%.
Where Mali Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Mali ranks 140th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Mali ranks 88th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Mali include Spain's income inequality, New Zealand, income distribution in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Mali?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Mali earned 12.12% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered moderate by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Mali?
Income inequality in Mali has decreased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 21.64% in 1980 to 12.12% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Mali?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Mali received 15.07% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 44.94%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.