AES Countries Adopt Four Agreements to Harmonize Social Policies

The countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, have taken steps to strengthen their cooperation in the areas of employment and social protection. On November 13, 2026, ministers from the three countries met in Ouagadougou and adopted four documents aimed at harmonizing administrative and professional practices within the confederal space. These documents are expected to improve the management of human resources and facilitate the mobility of migrant workers.

The four agreements include a guide to good practices in public service, a guide to harmonizing the recruitment of migrant workers, a guide for migrant workers, and an agreement on the portability of social benefits. The first document aims to promote convergence in administrative practices and enhance human resource management. The guides for migrant workers seek to simplify their professional mobility, streamline their procedures, and prevent abusive practices.

The agreement on the portability of social benefits is a significant achievement, allowing workers who move between AES countries to preserve their acquired or ongoing social rights. However, its implementation is subject to the provisions of the agreement and national legislation. The ministers also formulated recommendations to deepen this cooperation, focusing on the mutual recognition of diplomas and the development of an agreement on free movement and establishment within the confederal space.

To ensure the follow-up of the decisions, the delegations agreed to establish a ministerial commission for public service, labor, social protection, and employment. This body will be responsible for strategic orientation and monitoring the implementation of the adopted instruments. The commission's presidency will be held by the country chairing the AES.

The ministers called on public administrations, social security organizations, and professional organizations to take ownership of the new tools. This meeting is part of the dynamic of consolidating the AES, created by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to strengthen the convergence of their public policies and cooperation for the benefit of their populations.

At the end of the meeting, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing the harmonization of policies in the areas of administration, labor, and social protection. They emphasized the importance of cooperation and the need for continued efforts to improve the lives of citizens in the region.

The AES countries are working to enhance their cooperation in various areas, including employment and social protection. The adoption of these four agreements marks a significant step towards achieving this goal, and the countries are expected to continue their efforts to deepen their cooperation and improve the lives of their citizens.

Key points

• The AES countries have adopted four agreements to harmonize their social policies, including a guide to good practices in public service and an agreement on the portability of social benefits.