On September 28, 2026, the Director-General of Mali's Institut national de prévoyance sociale (INPS), Idrissa Bakary DIARRA, hosted a delegation from the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA). The delegation, led by Dr. Birane THIAM, Permanent Secretary of the Council for Labour and Social Dialogue, is on a mission to gather information on the portability of social rights for migrant workers within the UEMOA region. This meeting marks a significant step in enhancing social protection for workers moving across member states.
The discussions between the INPS and the UEMOA delegation focused on applicable laws, social protection practices, and measures to ensure the continuity of workers' rights. The delegation sought to understand how Mali's social security system operates, particularly in terms of protecting the rights of migrant workers. This exchange is crucial for developing a cohesive approach to social rights portability across the UEMOA region, ensuring that workers' benefits are preserved when they move between countries.
During the meeting, the UEMOA delegation collected information on the achievements of the INPS, ongoing reforms, and challenges faced in implementing these reforms. Understanding the current landscape of social protection in Mali and other member states is essential for creating a harmonized system that supports worker mobility. The delegation's visit is part of a broader effort to enhance cooperation and coordination among UEMOA member states on issues related to labor and social dialogue.
Dr. Birane THIAM expressed satisfaction with the reception and the quality of the exchanges during the meeting. He appreciated the data provided by the INPS, which will contribute to a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to social rights portability. The insights gained from this visit will inform UEMOA's strategies for promoting social protection and labor mobility within the region.
The portability of social rights is a critical issue for migrant workers in the UEMOA region. Ensuring that workers can maintain their social benefits when moving between countries is essential for promoting labor mobility and economic integration. The UEMOA delegation's visit to the INPS is a step towards addressing this issue and fostering greater cooperation among member states on labor and social protection.
The INPS plays a vital role in Mali's social security system, providing benefits and protection to workers. The institute's efforts to engage with regional organizations like UEMOA underscore its commitment to enhancing social protection for all workers, including migrants. By sharing information and best practices, the INPS and UEMOA can work together to create a more cohesive and supportive social security framework for workers across the region.
The collaboration between the INPS and UEMOA reflects a broader commitment to improving labor standards and social protection in West Africa. By working together, regional organizations and national institutions can develop more effective strategies for protecting workers' rights and promoting economic integration. This partnership is expected to yield positive outcomes for migrant workers and contribute to the region's economic development.
Key points
- The INPS received a UEMOA delegation to discuss the portability of social rights for migrant workers.
- The meeting focused on applicable laws, social protection practices, and measures to ensure the continuity of workers' rights.
- The delegation's visit aims to enhance cooperation and coordination among UEMOA member states on labor and social dialogue issues.
