In a significant move to organize Mali's informal sector, the National Union of the Informal Sector (SNSI) was officially launched on September 17, 2026, in Bamako. The union aims to better defend the rights of informal sector workers, promote their social protection, and contribute to a more organized sector. The launch ceremony, held at the Maison des jeunes, brought together several stakeholders, including representatives from authorities and professional organizations.
The SNSI, under the slogan "Ensemble pour nos droits" (Together for our rights), seeks to represent workers from various domains, including commerce, craftsmanship, transportation, and education. According to Boubacar Mohamed Samaké, the union's secretary-general, the organization will address the concerns of informal sector workers and promote decent work. Samaké emphasized that the informal sector plays a crucial role in Mali's economy, citing data from the 2022 Modular and Permanent Household Survey (EMOP).
The informal sector accounts for a significant proportion of Mali's economy, justifying the need for an organization like SNSI. Samaké stated that the union will work to combat informality and promote transitions to formality, encouraging decent work within a tripartite framework. Djibil Diallo, president of the Malian Confederation of Labor (CMT), welcomed the initiative, acknowledging the challenges faced by informal sector workers and the importance of an organization to address their concerns.
Diallo expressed his support for the SNSI, praising Samaké as a committed and objective leader. He encouraged the new bureau to continue its engagement in favor of informal sector workers. Mamadou Diakité, representing the National Council of Patronage of Mali (CNPM), also welcomed the SNSI, highlighting the significance of the informal sector in Mali's economy. Diakité pledged to provide support to the SNSI in accomplishing its mission.
The launch ceremony was attended by various stakeholders, including workers from different sectors, authorities, and professional organizations. The event concluded with a family photo and promises for a better future for Mali's informal sector workers. The SNSI's creation marks a significant step towards organizing the informal sector and promoting social protection for its workers.
According to the EMOP 2022 data, Mali has a high proportion of informal economy units, underscoring the need for organizations like SNSI to promote decent work and social protection. The SNSI's efforts will focus on representing informal sector workers and addressing their concerns. The union's launch has garnered support from various stakeholders, including the CMT and CNPM.
The SNSI's establishment is seen as a crucial step towards promoting social protection and decent work for informal sector workers in Mali. With the support of various stakeholders, the union is poised to make a positive impact on the lives of informal sector workers. Key initiatives, such as combating informality and promoting transitions to formality, will be central to the SNSI's mission.
Key points
- The SNSI aims to defend the rights of informal sector workers and promote their social protection.
- The informal sector plays a significant role in Mali's economy, with a high proportion of informal economy units.
- The SNSI has garnered support from various stakeholders, including the CMT and CNPM.
