Mali
In Mali, Switzerland is working to support poverty reduction, conflict management and a sustainable peace. It promotes local economic development, good governance and human development with a focus on high-quality basic education. Swiss development cooperation focuses its activities on the regions of Sikasso in the south, Timbuktu in the north and Mopti in the middle of the country.
Context Mali
The political crises and conflicts that have shaped Mali’s recent history have led to considerable insecurity and violence. Since a violent coup in May 2021, the country has been in a period of political transition. The state is unable to ensure the security of its citizens or meet their basic needs, while the younger generation are faced with an uncertain future. The security situation has deteriorated across the country. More than 400,000 people have been displaced and 7.1 million people, including 3.8 million children, are dependent on humanitarian aid. Nevertheless, Mali remains resilient and can count on vast human resources and considerable potential in agriculture and livestock farming. Switzerland supports this potential with various foreign policy instruments, including development cooperation, peace policy and humanitarian aid.
Human development
Switzerland is working with Mali’s national and local authorities, as well as with development and humanitarian aid actors, to improve emergency response measures, increase access to high-quality basic education and strengthen the protection of the civilian population. It is supporting the Malian government in defining and implementing its national policy to promote the food and nutrition security of the most vulnerable communities. More than two million children and young people between the ages of five and seventeen do not attend school. Switzerland focuses on improving the quality of teaching and supports the decentralisation of the education system. In response to the security crisis and numerous school closures, it is also promoting alternative education programmes.
Sustainable local economic development
Two thirds of Mali’s population live in rural areas. They account for around a third of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Switzerland supports initiatives that boost agricultural productivity and increase yields: it encourages the development of an inclusive private sector and supports market-oriented vocational training that ensures young people are better integrated into the labour market. These initiatives aim to boost the economy, in particular at the local level.
Peace and governance
Switzerland assists state actors at local level in improving their services and promoting transparent and accountable public administration, thereby strengthening the capacities of those responsible for public finances. It provides assistance in mobilising resources managed by local authorities and in transferring them across regions. Switzerland also supports decentralised authorities in developing mechanisms to protect the civilian population. Through the Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD) of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), Switzerland is involved in various processes to promote peace and prevent or reduce violence. In order to build and restore trust in Malian society, Switzerland also promotes dialogue, inclusion and reconciliation.
Approach and main partners
In Mali, Switzerland combines development cooperation, humanitarian aid and peace policy instruments to provide context-specific support and address the needs of the population. Tackling the root causes of poverty and conflict in the long term and responding to emergencies in the short and medium term are complementary tasks. Switzerland works with a wide range of partners to implement its programme, including national and, in particular, regional government authorities, elected representatives and traditional authorities, local and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and bilateral and multilateral partners.
Contact
Eichenweg 5
3003 Bern