ILO strengthens its commitment to decent work in the Sahel

BAMAKO/OUAGADOUGOU/NIAMEY (ILO News) - The International Labour Organization (ILO) has reaffirmed its commitment to decent work and social cohesion in the countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), following an official mission by its Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo, conducted from 5 to 15 April 2026 in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.

The visit strengthened dialogue with governments, workers' and employers' organizations, the United Nations, as well as technical and financial partners, around a shared priority: making decent work and social protection essential levers for stability, social cohesion and inclusive development in the region.

In all three countries, exchanges highlighted the central role of social dialogue in the design and implementation of public policies on employment, entrepreneurship, vocational training and social protection, in line with the ILO's tripartite mandate. Discussions also underscored the importance of strengthening coordination with United Nations Country Teams to align interventions with national priorities.

In Mali, the authorities stressed the importance of placing youth employment, social dialogue and social protection at the heart of public policies.

"Mali is determined to make productive employment and social dialogue pillars of stability and national cohesion," said Prime Minister Abdoulaye Maïga.

In Burkina Faso, discussions focused on the priorities of the economic recovery plan, notably support for small and medium-sized enterprises, skills development and the creation of decent jobs.

"The partnership with the ILO is essential to structure sustainable responses to employment challenges and strengthen the resilience of our economy," said Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo.

In Niger, discussions emphasized skills development, labour mobility and adapting training systems to labour market needs.

"Investing in skills and organizing labour mobility are priorities to provide sustainable prospects for our youth," said Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine.

The mission highlighted the importance of strengthening regional cooperation within the AES, particularly in labour mobility, the anticipation of skills needs and the coordination of employment and social protection policies.

"Decent work is a key lever for strengthening resilience, supporting populations and promoting sustainable development pathways. This mission in the AES reflects our determination to pursue constructive engagement with countries in the region," said ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo.

Beyond institutional exchanges, the mission promoted labour-intensive approaches, strengthened tripartite dialogue and consolidated partnerships with technical and financial partners, as well as the United Nations system.

The ILO reiterates its commitment to supporting Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger in implementing integrated policies in favour of decent work, social cohesion and inclusive and sustainable development in the Sahel.

Press contact:

François Gombahignonri Kouassi
Communication and Public Information Officer
ILO Country Office - Abidjan
Email: [email protected]; Tel: +225 01 52 22 49 24