Mali Boosts Financial Inclusion with Training for National Committee Members

The Malian Ministry of Economy and Finance, through the Unit of Support and Monitoring of the Financial Sector Development Strategy (UAS/SDSF) and in collaboration with the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), recently organized a training session on financial education for members of the National Committee for Monitoring (CNS). This initiative aims to strengthen the social, economic, and financial inclusion of Mali's population.

The training, which is part of the implementation of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy adopted in 2022, focused on essential knowledge such as budget management, savings, credit, digital financial services, risk prevention, and user protection. The goal is to equip committee members with a common base of knowledge to assess the relevance of actions conducted, monitor results, and make recommendations tailored to the needs of the population.

The National Financial Inclusion Strategy, aligned with the vision "Mali Kura ka ben san 2063 ma," prioritizes access to financial services for women, youth, rural populations, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, and individuals with limited financial knowledge. The strategy's fourth axis is dedicated to strengthening financial education and protecting financial product users.

The training allowed participants to acquire practical knowledge and skills to make informed and responsible financial decisions. It covered topics such as understanding financial products, measuring benefits and risks, and using them responsibly. The session also addressed the secure use of digital services, fraud prevention, and debt management.

By providing this training, the Ministry of Economy and Finance aims to empower the National Committee members, comprising representatives from several ministerial departments, professional associations, consumer groups, regulators, and technical services, to contribute to better coordination of interventions and promote financial inclusion.

This initiative demonstrates the commitment of the Malian authorities, through the Ministry of Economy and Finance, to make financial education an instrument of population empowerment and a major lever for sustainable financial inclusion in Mali. The acquired knowledge will enable committee members to disseminate information within their respective structures.

The training is a significant step towards achieving the country's vision of enhancing financial inclusion and promoting economic growth. The Ministry's efforts to strengthen financial education and protect users will have a positive impact on the lives of Malians, particularly those in rural areas and vulnerable populations.

Key points

• The Malian Ministry of Economy and Finance trains National Committee members on financial education to enhance financial inclusion.