The Malian government, in collaboration with international partners, has launched a three-day workshop in Bamako to enhance the capacity of stakeholders involved in migration data collection. The event, which also brought together participants from Koulikoro, aims to equip them with the necessary skills to collect and manage migration data effectively. According to the organizers, similar workshops will be held in Kayes and Ségou to ensure that technical capacities are brought closer to territorial realities.
The workshop was officially opened by Doudou Ben Béchir Niang, Technical Adviser to the Minister of Malians Living Abroad and African Integration. In his remarks, Niang emphasized the importance of robust migration data in informing policy decisions. He noted that migration has been an integral part of Mali's economic, social, and cultural history, with mobility shaping the country's territories and communities for generations.
Niang further highlighted the significance of the Malian diaspora, which represents a vital component of the nation. He stressed that the diaspora's contributions to the country's development, through their skills, initiatives, investments, and networks, are crucial to Mali's growth. The Technical Adviser also emphasized the need for the country to adapt to changing migration dynamics, including the diversification of mobility, evolving profits, and shifting aspirations of populations.
The workshop aims to enhance the capacity of participants to design, collect, and analyze migration data. Dr. Aboubacrine Aguissa, Director-General of the Centre d'Information et de Gestion des Migrations (CIGEM), noted that the workshop's objective is to equip participants with the skills to defend data sources, collect and control data quality, and produce and interpret indicators. The participants are expected to gain practical skills in migration data management.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) representative, Mohamed Kane, emphasized the importance of reliable and accessible migration data in informing effective migration governance. He noted that strategic use of migration data can help achieve better outcomes in migration management. Kane added that the IOM is committed to supporting Mali in enhancing its migration data collection and management capacities.
The workshop is part of a broader effort to strengthen Mali's migration governance. The country's authorities recognize that effective migration management requires a deep understanding of migration dynamics and trends. By enhancing the capacity of stakeholders involved in migration data collection, the government aims to improve its ability to respond to migration-related challenges and opportunities.
The three-day workshop will conclude with a wrap-up session, where participants are expected to share their experiences and recommendations. The outcome of the workshop is expected to contribute to the development of effective migration policies and strategies in Mali. The government has expressed its commitment to continuing its collaboration with international partners to strengthen its migration governance.
Key points
- The Malian government has launched a workshop to enhance migration data collection and management.
- The workshop aims to equip stakeholders with the necessary skills to collect and manage migration data effectively.
- The government recognizes the importance of robust migration data in informing policy decisions.
