Mali: Mobility, Development and Governance

Mali: Mobility, Development and Governance
Bamako | 23–26 February 2026

European Strategic Initiative (ESI) conducted a new working mission to Bamako to pursue its dialogue with Malian institutions and deepen discussions on a number of issues relating to mobility, the diaspora, territorial development and governance.

At the Ministry of Malians Abroad and African Integration, Grégory Jullien, President of ESI, was received by Néma Guindo, Secretary General of the Ministry, in the presence of Djibril Dansoko, Foreign Affairs Adviser and Technical Adviser. Discussions focused on the governance of mobility, the mobilisation of the diaspora, links between territories and local development, as well as prospects for dialogue and cooperation with European partners.

ESI also met with Mahamar Touré, Delegate General within the Ministry of Malians Abroad, responsible for the operational implementation of the national migration policy. Discussions focused in particular on support for returning migrants and the conditions required for their sustainable reintegration.

The discussions highlighted the importance of linking migration policies with local economic development, investment, entrepreneurship and the development of skills in order to create sustainable opportunities within local communities.

The mission also included a meeting at the Supreme Court of Mali with Seydou Mallet, President of the Accounts Section, Mohamed Lamine Coulibaly, President of the Chamber responsible for overseeing development programmes and projects financed from domestic and external resources, and Touré Koïta, President of the Chamber responsible for the audit and adjudication of local authorities’ accounts.

Discussions focused on public financial oversight, the monitoring of investments and development projects, as well as transparency and the quality of public financial management — key dimensions in building the confidence of economic and financial partners.

Through this mission, ESI continued its dialogue with Malian institutions and further explored the links between mobility, territorial development, governance and investment, with a view to fostering cooperation tailored to local priorities and realities.

The mission forms part of Africa–Europe Synergy, ESI’s initiative dedicated to strategic dialogue and the development of partnerships between African and European stakeholders.