First record of Aedes albopictus in inland Africa along the River Niger in Bamako and Mopti, Mali

[Display omitted] Aedes albopictus collection locations. •The distribution of Ae. albopictus has rapidly increased over the last decades.•Formerly restricted to coastal Africa, we have sighted the species in inland Mali.•The species seems to be exclusively located in habitats proximal the Niger River.•Larvae on small boats suggests the species may be disseminated through river traffic.•Findings suggest the species may soon spread through the entire Niger River system. The distribution of Aedes albopictus in Africa has thus far been known to be restricted to coastal Sub-Saharan countries. This report describes the first record of the tiger mosquito in habitats located in Mali, at a significant distance from the coastal areas of the continent. Aedes albopictus was observed over several years in increasing frequency in Mopti in Central Mali and later in the capital city Bamako, both adjacent to the Niger River. These findings suggest further dissemination of Ae. albopictus could be facilitated by river transport of goods and commodities which harbor larvae and eggs of this species. If correct, the distribution of Ae. albopictus is expected to extend to areas located upstream of the Niger River and its tributaries.