The Malian government has allocated more than 2 billion CFA francs to cover air transport for state-sponsored pilgrims and their luggage ahead of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
The decision was announced following a meeting of the Council of Ministers on Wednesday in Bamako.
According to an official government statement, the Council approved a draft decree authorising a contract for the air transport of Malian pilgrims participating in the government-managed Hajj programme.
The contract was awarded to Ethiopian Airlines in partnership with the local firm Top 10 SARL.
“On the report of the Minister of State, Minister of Economy and Finance, the Council of Ministers adopted a draft decree approving the contract relating to the air transport of government pilgrims and their luggage for the 2026 Hajj,” the statement said.
Under the agreement, the Malian government will pay approximately 2.27 billion CFA francs (about $3.7 million) for the transportation services.
The airline will be responsible for transporting pilgrims and their luggage between Mali and Saudi Arabia over a period of one month during the Hajj season.
Authorities said the arrangement is intended to ensure that pilgrims travelling under the government programme can perform the religious obligation in safe and organised conditions.
The Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and one of the five pillars of Islam. It is a religious duty that must be performed at least once in a lifetime by Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake the journey.
The pilgrimage takes place during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah and attracts millions of Muslims from around the world each year.
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