The Swiss-Mali cooperation program for 2026-2029 was officially launched on September 16, 2026, in Bamako. The program aims to strengthen local actors' capacities, protect populations, and provide economic opportunities. It will focus on governance, protection, resilience, and economic opportunities, with a transversal approach to gender equality, social inclusion, climate, digitalization, culture, and innovation. The program will be implemented in several regions, including Sikasso, Mopti, Tombouctou, Bougouni, Koutiala, Douentza, and Bandiagara, as well as in the Bamako District.
The cooperation between Switzerland and Mali began in 1977 and has been built on a partnership based on dialogue, trust, proximity, and respect for national priorities. According to Claude Wanderler, head of the Swiss Cooperation Office and Consular Agency, the new program is a continuation of this nearly 50-year commitment. The program is designed to work with Malian partners to define priorities together and address local realities.
Swiss Ambassador to Mali Pietro Mona emphasized that the partnership between Switzerland and Mali is based on solid foundations, including trust, transparency, dialogue, and proximity with Malian actors. He noted that despite challenges, Switzerland remains committed to Mali and will continue to work with Malian partners to address current challenges.
The program will focus on supporting local actors to strengthen their capacities and provide economic opportunities. According to Moustapha Traoré, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Malian authorities appreciate the bilateral cooperation with Switzerland, which has had a positive impact on the well-being of populations.
The new program is aligned with Mali's development orientations and priorities. Traoré noted that the program reflects the common will of both countries to respond to current challenges, consolidate past achievements, and innovate in the face of contemporary issues.
The program will be implemented in a context of changing circumstances, and Switzerland will need to adapt its approach. According to Mona, Switzerland will not impose external solutions but will work with Malian partners to define priorities and address local realities.
The launch of the new cooperation program is a significant step in the long-standing partnership between Switzerland and Mali. The program is expected to contribute to a more resilient and inclusive Mali, with a focus on supporting local actors and promoting economic opportunities.
Key points
- The new cooperation program between Switzerland and Mali aims to contribute to a more resilient and inclusive Mali.
- The program will focus on governance, protection, resilience, and economic opportunities, with a transversal approach to gender equality, social inclusion, climate, digitalization, culture, and innovation.
- The program will be implemented in several regions, including Sikasso, Mopti, Tombouctou, Bougouni, Koutiala, Douentza, and Bandiagara, as well as in the Bamako District.
