Mali and ILO Strengthen Cooperation on Jobs, Social Justice, and Youth Employment

Bamako, April 7, 2026 - Mali has reinforced its partnership with the International Labour Organization in discussions centered on social justice, decent work, and youth employment. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdoulaye Diop, received the Director-General of the International Labour Organization, Gilbert F. Houngbo, during an official visit to Mali. Talks focused on strategies to expand economic opportunities for young people, particularly through projects aimed at strengthening local capacities and promoting employment-driven development. Both sides emphasized the importance of scaling up labor-intensive programs designed to support infrastructure development while prioritizing local labor and materials. The discussions also highlighted broader multilateral considerations, with Malian authorities urging an approach that takes into account regional realities, including the specific challenges faced in the Sahel and within emerging confederal frameworks. Officials described the meeting as a step toward deepening cooperation on inclusive development and reinforcing policies that link economic growth with job creation.