Bamako - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Mali and the Ministry of National Entrepreneurship, Employment and Vocational Training launched on 9 February 2023 in Bamako, in the presence of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the project “Strengthening Youth Economic Empowerment in Departure Areas of Kayes and Segou” (Renforcement de l’autonomisation économique des jeunes dans les zones de départ à Kayes et Ségou).

Recent estimates indicate that 67 per cent of the Malian population is aged 24 and that the working-age population is estimated at 52.7 per cent of the overall population. However, the latter is affected by unemployment and underemployment. Faced with this situation, young people, tempted to find better opportunities, resort to migration. Ninety-two per cent of the migrants interviewed stated that the lack of decent jobs and employment opportunities was the main reason for leaving.

The regions of Kayes and Segou, in southern and central Mali, are particularly affected by youth emigration. The Kayes region continues to be the main region of youth emigration over the last decade. As for the Ségou region, recent reports on population flows from the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) show a significant increase in outbound flows over the last two years.

In their search for better opportunities, most young people migrate irregularly. This choice exposes them to countless risks and dangers including trafficking in persons and migrant smuggling.

“As part of our mandate, we protect and assist migrants, developing effective responses to migration issues and supporting public policies in this cross-cutting sector,” said Mr Pascal REYNTJENS, IOM Chief of Mission in Mali.

This project will contribute to creating viable livelihoods and skills for youth as an alternative to irregular migration by improving access to employment opportunities and income-generating activities in high-departure areas in the regions of Kayes and Segou.

“The key issues of training and integration are part of the priorities of government action and are the reason for the many multisectoral initiatives conducted by technical and financial partners, the private sector and non-governmental organizations to facilitate access to training and employment for young people. This is why my ministry is supporting this initiative,” explained Mr Bakary Doumbia, Minister of National Entrepreneurship, Employment and Vocational Training.

“This project reflects the global vision for development that Italy supports, namely, an effective, equitable, inclusive and sustainable vision, which aims, to contribute, without rhetoric, to identifying adequate and sustainable solutions for job creation that can provide viable alternatives for the population,” added Ms KASSOGUE Claudia Berlendis, Country Coordinator of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).

Under this project, 1,180 young people aged between 15 and 24 in the regions of Kayes and Ségou will have increased access to vocational skills and will be able to benefit from professional integration programmes. In addition, they will have access to effective information and counselling on work opportunities and safe and regular migration. Furthermore, their capacities in business development and business project management will be strengthened through entrepreneurial opportunities.

The project will be implemented over 24 months by IOM Mali, in partnership with the Ministry of National Entrepreneurship, Employment and Professional Training. It is funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).

For more information, please contact the Media and Communication Unit of IOM Mali, Tel.: +223 90 50 00 06, Email: allmalimediacom@iom.int.