Published: 17.10.2026
The .ml extension is the country-code domain of Mali, a landlocked country in West Africa with its capital in Bamako. Malian organisations, schools, media outlets and businesses can use a .ml name to show their link to the country, and it is a practical address for projects aimed at people in Mali. Use the availability form just below this text to see whether your name in .ml is still available.
Check if a .ml domain is available .ml Check
A short history
The national code was assigned to Mali in the early years of the internet, when most users were in universities, research institutes and government offices. As the number of websites grew, the zone became a normal choice for local organisations that wanted an address reflecting their country. Today it is mainly chosen by Malian organisations and projects that want an address matching their own activity.
Who runs it
The zone is managed by a national registry. The registry keeps the database of names, sets the rules for holders and works with accredited registrars that handle orders from customers. Because the conditions are set nationally, the current terms should be checked directly with the registry or the registrar before you pay.
Rules in practice
- Holder conditions: the registry may set rules on who can hold a name, so check whether you or your organisation meet them.
- Contact details: the information you provide must be accurate, and it may be checked when the registry asks.
- Characters: Latin letters, digits and hyphens, with label length following the general rules for domain names.
- Renewal: keep the expiry date in your calendar and make sure renewal notices reach an address that someone checks.
Who uses .ml
- Local businesses, traders and service providers in Bamako and other towns in Mali.
- Schools, training centres and universities that serve students in the country.
- Non-profit organisations, community groups and development projects with a Malian audience.
- Media outlets, public information sites and cultural projects that publish in French or Bambara.
Strengths
- The ending points clearly to Mali, which helps local users see that the site is aimed at them.
- For an organisation with a national mission, a country-code address can match its identity better than a generic name.
- A short and clear name is easy to repeat on the radio, on posters and in conversation.
Things to keep in mind
- The zone is tied to one country, so an organisation with supporters abroad may want a generic address as well.
- Many people in the country browse on mobile phones, so the site should load quickly on slower connections.
- Short names may already be registered, so consider a name that includes the town or the activity.
- Terms can change over time, so check the current conditions when you renew.
Tips before you register
- Check the same name in .com and decide whether a second address is useful.
- Use the exact name of your organisation as it appears in its official papers.
- Publish a clear contact page, a legal notice and a privacy statement in French and, where useful, in Bambara.
- Set up SPF, DKIM and DMARC records before sending mail from the domain.
- Enable auto-renewal and make sure two trusted people can access the registrar account.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone outside Mali register a .ml name? The registry's rules settle this, so look at the current terms before you order.
Does a .ml address help a site appear in local search results? It is one geographic signal. Content in the right language, pages that load quickly and genuine references count for more.
Should I write the site in French or Bambara? French is the official language and is widely used in administration and education. Bambara is spoken by many people in daily life, so a bilingual site can reach a wider audience.
