Malian professionals address one another with French titles, typically starting with “Monsieur” or “Madame” followed by their professional title. For example, “Monsier le Directeur.”
Source: Ehow.com
Your meeting will start on time, but it’s customary to show up a little early to allow time for small talk. Meetings will, however, usually run late so don’t make plans for after, and don’t appear in a rush.
Source: Ehow.com
Malians speak more than 50 different languages. The most common is Bambara and you can impress your hosts by learning a few phrases in the language. Besides that, speaking French is almost essential if you’re going to do business in Mali.
Source: Ehow.com
Gift-giving rules in Mali are complex. Giving small items like a pen or notebook takes place almost every day between people of all sorts of affiliations. Typically, a gift is passed around to every person in the room, sometimes even making its way back to the original gift giver. But don’t give a gift to a host or hostess when invited to their home for dinner. This is insulting and insinuates the host did not provide enough for the guests.
Source: Ehow.com
Malians will inflate prices when they know you’re a foreigner. Expect to bargain, and don’t be afraid to walk away (literally or metaphorically) if you don’t like a price. If the individual you’re bargaining with can lower the price, they’ll follow you or offer a better price. If they don’t counter offer, it’s as low as they can go.
Source: CultureCrossing.net
Do not ever interrupt an elder or someone in a superior position to you, but most importantly, never challenge or disagree with them.
Source: CultureCrossing.net
In general, direct eye contact is viewed as rude. When speaking to someone in a superior position to you, it is polite to look down at the ground. When speaking with an equal, aim for indirect eye contact.
Source: CultureCrossing.net
The majority of Malians are Muslim, and it’s strongly encouraged that foreign travelers follow the dress code. Women should dress conservatively, and nobody should ever wear shorts.
Source: EveryCulture.com
Malians value proverbs, stories, metaphors and riddles. If you can work these into a business point you’re trying to make, it could be well received.
Source: Intercultures.ca
Malians attend a lot of ceremonies and weddings in the middle of the day. These could interfere with the timing of your meetings. Be respectful of that.
Source: Intercultures.ca
