The International Labour Organization (ILO) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting decent work and social cohesion in the Sahel region following a high-level mission by Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo to Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from 5 to 15 April 2026. The visit strengthened engagement with governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, the United Nations, and development partners to position decent work and social protection as key drivers of stability, inclusion, and sustainable development in the region.
Discussions across the three countries emphasized the importance of social dialogue in shaping policies related to employment, entrepreneurship, vocational training, and social protection, in line with the ILO’s tripartite approach. In Mali, authorities highlighted youth employment and social protection as central to national stability, while Burkina Faso focused on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, skills development, and job creation as part of its economic recovery efforts. Niger underscored the need to invest in skills development, improve labour mobility, and align training systems with labour market demands.
The mission also stressed the importance of regional cooperation within the Alliance of Sahel States, particularly in coordinating employment policies, anticipating skills needs, and improving labour mobility frameworks. It further reinforced collaboration with United Nations country teams and development partners to ensure aligned and effective interventions. The ILO reiterated its commitment to supporting integrated national strategies that advance decent work, strengthen social cohesion, and promote inclusive and sustainable development across the Sahel.
