Mali’s largest fuel retail network, formerly operated by France energy major – TotalEnergies, has changed hands twice within 12 months, moving first to Benin-linked Coli Energy in January 2025 and then back to Malian-owned NDC Energie in January 2026
- Mali’s largest fuel retail network changed ownership twice between January 2025 and January 2026.
- TotalEnergies exited Mali in 2025 due to rising geopolitical tensions, insecurity, and anti-French sentiment.
- NDC Energie, previously a major fuel importer with limited retail presence, now controls 80 stations and over 1,100 employees after acquiring the network.
- Transport disruptions in late 2025 caused fuel shortages, but stabilization and improved logistics since early 2026 have restored supply and enabled sector consolidation.
The France -based multinational sold its Malian operations in January 2025 to Coli Energy, associated with the Petro Benin, formally exiting the market amid rising geopolitical tensions, persistent insecurity, and growing anti-French sentiment in Mali.
The divestment also formed part of TotalEnergies’ broader strategy to streamline its African downstream portfolio and refocus capital on priority markets.
In an exclusive report, Journal Du Mali, noted that in January 2026, the same network of 80 service stations and more than 1,100 employees was acquired by NDC Energie (Niangadou Distribution Company), a 100% Malian-owned firm.
While the financial details were not disclosed, the transaction cements local control over the country’s largest fuel distribution platform.
From Importer to Integrated Energy Player
Until now, NDC (founded in 2015) operated only four stations in Bamako but was already one of Mali’s largest fuel importers.
The company runs over 200 tanker trucks supplying independent retailers, the state electricity utility EDM-SA, and major mining operations, including the Goulamina lithium mine in Sikasso.
By acquiring the nationwide retail network, NDC transitions from a dominant importer to a vertically integrated energy operator, controlling both fuel entry and final distribution.
The acquisition follows a turbulent period for Mali’s energy market. Beginning in September 2025, insecurity along the Dakar–Bamako and Abidjan–Bamako corridors disrupted hydrocarbon transport, triggering prolonged shortages and long queues.
Since January 2026, improved coordination and relative stabilization along these routes have restored supply flows, creating a more favorable environment for consolidation.
The takeover reflects Mali’s broader economic direction. Authorities have emphasized reclaiming strategic sectors, particularly mining, where reforms seek greater national participation in gold and lithium projects.
The shift in fuel distribution mirrors this agenda which includes keeping profits, infrastructure control, and employment within the domestic economy.
If sustained by improved logistics and security, the emergence of a strong Malian-controlled fuel network could enhance energy resilience and signal a deeper push toward economic sovereignty.
