The Centre d'études et de renforcement des capacités (CERCAP) in Mali recently held a session to review its mid-term progress. The session covered several key topics, including the draft report of the 7th session of the Board of Directors and the implementation status of the recommendations issued. The administrators examined and adopted the draft activity report of the Centre as of June 30, 2026, as well as the budget execution report for the same period.
During the session, the administrators also reviewed and adopted the draft rectified activity program for 2026 and the draft rectified budget for the same year. The technical advisor, Mohamed Amara Keita, stated that the Minister of State expects four major decisions from the Council. These decisions concern the effective use of credits preserved by the State to finance studies and the linking of each retained activity to a specific budget line and an objective of the National Strategy for Emergence and Sustainable Development (SNEDD).
Mohamed Amara Keita requested the general management to present, without delay, a plan for engaging credits intended for studies and research. This plan aims to ensure that no funds allocated to the Centre's mission are lost at the end of the year. Regarding the recommendations from the 7th session, the Minister's representative highlighted that the three main recommendations are being implemented. These recommendations include holding the budget session before the end of November, elaborating a strategy for mobilizing own resources, and revitalizing partnerships with leading organizations of civil society and the private sector.
However, the technical advisor noted that the Centre faces challenges, including weak mobilization of own resources. Currently, the CERCAP does not mobilize any own resources, a situation that cannot persist. He also emphasized that the Centre's difficulties are not solely financial but also relate to the low utilization of study results in public decision-making. The 9th session of the Board of Directors, dedicated to examining the 2027 program and budget, is scheduled to take place before November 30, 2026.
The CERCAP is called upon to strengthen both its effectiveness in using its resources and the impact of its work on public policies. The relevance of a study is also measured by its ability to inform action and contribute to better decision-making. The technical advisor stressed that budget rigor is not a renunciation but an exigency of discernment, requiring the Centre to do fewer things but do them thoroughly and better.
The Centre's work is crucial in supporting the country's development efforts. By producing high-quality studies and analyses, the CERCAP can contribute to informed decision-making and policy development. The Centre's ability to mobilize its own resources and effectively utilize its budget will be essential in sustaining its operations and achieving its objectives.
The review session demonstrates the Centre's commitment to transparency and accountability. By examining its progress and challenges, the CERCAP can identify areas for improvement and make necessary adjustments. The Centre's efforts to strengthen its effectiveness and impact will be critical in supporting Mali's development goals and aspirations.
Key points
- The CERCAP reviews its mid-term progress, focusing on budget execution and strategic recommendations.
- The Centre faces challenges, including weak mobilization of own resources and low utilization of study results in public decision-making.
- The CERCAP aims to strengthen its effectiveness in using resources and impact on public policies.
