Youth and Stabilization Program in the Central Mali Regions (PROJES)

The crisis in the northern regions of Mali has gradually moved to central Mali where the Mopti and Ségou regions are particularly affected. In these areas, development efforts as well as the trust between the State and the Malian population have been strongly disrupted. In addition to the lack of professional opportunities, limited state services, and very low enrolment rates in the region, there has been a dramatic closure of schools in Mopti and Ségou, contributing to the increase in young people’s vulnerability since 2015.

Stabilization through basic services and economic opportunities

Since September 2018, the Youth and Stabilization Program (PROJES) supports the Malian government in reinforcing the offer of and access to basic services, strengthening social and community cohesion as well as creating new jobs and income opportunities.

PROJES is funded by the European Union with a total amount of 30 million Euro via the European Union Emergency Trust Fund for Africa (EUTF) and is part of the G5 Sahel’s Emergency Development Program (Programme de Développement d’Urgence – PDU) – an initiative called to life by the governments of the G5 Sahel countries in order to accelerate the launching of quick-impact projects targeting destabilized border regions of the G5 countries.

A decentralized, participatory and transparent approach

PROJES is implemented by the GIZ and covers the regions of Mopti and Ségou. The Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization (MATD) is the lead agency of the programme and the national partner which ensures supervision and facilitates the implementation of the programme in the two targeted regions.

Through a strong regional focus and community involvement, PROJES employs a decentralised, participatory and transparent approach. Doing so, the project focuses on two components: (1) strengthening the provision of and local access to basic socio-economic services; (2) the promotion of local development through training, socio-professional integration and the creation of economic opportunities for young people. By implementing activities that aim at generating income, acquiring skills and providing opportunities, the program targets the integration of vulnerable people in order to contribute to stabilization.

For more information, please download the Project Factsheet with more details.