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Since 1989, the organization has been active in Mali, focusing on vocational training and socio-economic integration. By adapting its programs to local realities, Swisscontact provides young people and vulnerable populations with the skills they need to improve their futures.
In some parts of Mali, access to vocational training is a major challenge. Many regions lack training centers, and public services are limited, leaving young people with few opportunities. Without job prospects, many migrate to cities or other countries in search of work, while others face the risk of social exclusion.
Swisscontact responds by bringing flexible and mobile training programs to where people live. These short-term, hands-on courses are designed to fit local economic opportunities, helping trainees build skills that are practical and relevant.
Take Lalla Aïcha, a 22-year-old woman displaced by conflict. Before joining a Swisscontact training, she had never considered agro-processing as a career. But after learning how to transform local agricultural products into marketable goods, she saw its potential.
Stories like Lalla’s show how vocational training can open up new possibilities—not just for individuals, but for entire communities.
One of Swisscontact’s strengths is its close collaboration with local communities. Instead of imposing solutions from the outside, the organization works with local trainers and professionals who understand the culture and economic landscape.
This approach builds trust, makes training programs more effective, and ensures that skills are passed on within the community. Even in remote or hard-to-reach areas, this model allows programs to continue operating.
In the Mopti region, for example, Swisscontact introduced training in stone extraction and cutting. This hands-on course helped young artisans learn a traditional skill while also supporting the local construction industry.
"Before this training, many young people were leaving the village to look for work in Bandiagara, Mopti, Bamako, or Mali’s mining zones. In some cases, this lack of opportunities even put them at risk of radicalization. Thanks to the training, we learned how to use modern tools and materials firsthand. Today, nearly every family in the village has at least one person who has joined one of the stone-working groups. This has not only created economic opportunities but has also strengthened peace and social cohesion in our community.
"Our stones are now used for construction in the village, neighbouring communities, and even by construction companies in Bandiagara, Mopti, and Ségou. We’ve opened a bank account in Bandiagara, where we deposit over 2 million CFA francs (about 3,053 CHF) regularly. As a result of our growing activity, the land that was once used for stone extraction is now being repurposed for farming and housing. We are also in demand for leveling work, like the projects completed for the Dandoli town hall. This collaboration has even helped us expand our client base."
By aligning training with existing resources and local demand, Swisscontact ensures that these new skills can translate into sustainable employment.
Operating in fragile regions is not easy. Security concerns, logistical challenges, and economic instability make it difficult to run programs. Yet, Swisscontact remains committed to its mission because of the real and lasting benefits these programs can bring.
Swisscontact’s approach in fragile contexts is built on adaptability, collaboration, and sustainability. By focusing on localized training, partnerships, and community engagement, the organization ensures that its impact continues long after a project ends.
Rather than relying on outside intervention, Swisscontact works to empower local people—helping them gain the skills, confidence, and knowledge needed to shape their own futures.
In the end, the goal is not just to provide training but to create long-term solutions that help communities become more resilient and self-sufficient, even in difficult circumstances.