Unemployment rises in Mali: Government lacks vision to keep young people employed

Mali is facing a serious youth unemployment crisis. With a predominantly young population, the lack of job opportunities is a major challenge to the country’s stability and development. Unfortunately, the transitional government seems to lack the vision and clear strategy to effectively address this issue.

Continuous unemployment creates a sense of frustration and despair among young people. Many of them have invested years in their education only to find themselves unemployed after completing their studies. This situation not only affects their morale but also social stability and national cohesion.

The lack of job opportunities has prompted many young people to consider illegal migration to Europe or elsewhere in search of a better future. In addition, some are lured by extremist groups that exploit their vulnerability and offer them economic alternatives, however dangerous and destructive.

While initiatives exist to encourage entrepreneurship, concrete support is lacking. Young entrepreneurs face barriers such as limited access to finance, complex bureaucratic procedures, and a lack of mentoring and ongoing support. Without a strong support framework, it will be difficult for these initiatives to produce the desired results.

Local development projects that could potentially create jobs are often poorly managed. Corruption and misallocation of funds undermine their effectiveness. Many projects fail to achieve their goals and create sustainable jobs for young people.

Testimonies from troubled young people

Seydou, 28, who is trying to start an agricultural business, expressed his frustration: “For young people like me, getting financing is almost impossible. The procedures are too complicated and the promised support never materializes. We have ideas and plans, but no one seems to be willing to help us.”

To effectively address the youth unemployment crisis, the Transitional Government must adopt a comprehensive and far-sighted approach.

It is essential to develop professional training programs that meet the actual needs of the labor market. Sectors with high potential, such as agriculture, information technology, and renewable energy, must be prioritized. Partnerships with the private sector and international organizations can help strengthen these programs.

The government must simplify bureaucratic procedures and improve access to finance for young entrepreneurs.

Youth unemployment in Mali is a pressing crisis that requires immediate and visionary intervention by the transitional government. Without a clear strategy and concrete actions, youth frustration and despair will continue to grow, threatening the country’s stability and future. Now is the time for the authorities to truly commit to creating jobs for young Malians.

Hamidou B. Tour

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Youth unemployment in Mali: Authorities are not doing enough to create jobs for young people

Youth unemployment in Mali has reached alarming levels, exacerbated by a turbulent political transition. While the majority of Mali’s population is young, job opportunities are becoming increasingly scarce, creating both frustration and hope.

Despite announced commitments and initiatives, the transitional authorities are struggling to implement effective solutions to address youth unemployment. While professional training programs have been launched, their quantity and quality remain insufficient. These trainings often have limited infrastructure and resources, making it difficult to acquire truly useful skills.

Although authorities have encouraged entrepreneurship, substantive support is lacking. Young entrepreneurs face significant barriers, such as limited access to credit, complex bureaucratic procedures, and a lack of guidance and ongoing support.

To address this youth unemployment crisis, Mali’s transitional authorities must put words into action. They must significantly increase investment in professional training, simplify procedures for starting a business, and ensure that local development projects are managed transparently and effectively. In addition, education reforms must be accelerated to ensure that young people acquire skills relevant to the job market.

Youth unemployment in Mali remains a serious problem and the measures currently taken by the transitional authorities are largely inadequate. It is urgent to take concrete actions and mobilize sufficient resources to create real job opportunities for Malian youth. Without swift and effective intervention, desperation and frustration among young people will continue to grow, threatening the country’s stability and future.

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