ILO–Japan Initiative Delivers Jobs, Infrastructure and Social Cohesion in Bamako

A flagship employment and infrastructure programme led by the International Labour Organization (ILO) has successfully concluded in peri-urban Bamako, demonstrating how targeted, labour-intensive investments can simultaneously create jobs, rebuild infrastructure, and strengthen social cohesion in fragile settings.

The Employment-Intensive Investment Programme (EIIP) project, funded by the Government of Japan, was completed in March 2026 after a one-year implementation period. It focused on improving livelihoods and fostering peaceful coexistence between internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities—groups often facing economic hardship and social tension amid displacement pressures.

Innovative Technology Meets Local Impact

At the core of the initiative was the pilot use of Japanese STEIN soil stabilization technology, an environmentally friendly approach that utilizes locally available materials to improve road durability while reducing costs. The project showcased how innovative yet accessible engineering solutions can be adapted to local contexts, particularly in regions with limited infrastructure resources.

The intervention resulted in the paving of 350 metres of road and the reinforcement of an additional 135 metres, significantly improving mobility, access to markets, healthcare, and essential services for surrounding communities.

Job Creation and Skills Development at Scale

The project delivered measurable economic benefits, generating 9,764 workdays and employing 120 workers, drawn from both IDP and host populations. Notably, 35 percent of the workforce were women, reflecting a deliberate effort to promote gender inclusion in labour-intensive public works.

Participants were engaged in hands-on road construction activities while also receiving technical training in stone trades through the Senou Vocational Training Centre. This dual approach—combining employment with skills development—enhanced long-term employability and income prospects.

In addition, workers participated in awareness sessions covering:

• Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)

• Conflict prevention and resolution

• Gender equality

• Decent work principles

These components were designed not only to improve workplace standards but also to address underlying social tensions, contributing to stronger community relations.

Building Social Cohesion Through Shared Work

By employing both IDPs and host community members in joint activities, the programme created opportunities for collaboration and trust-building. Development experts highlight such integrated approaches as critical in displacement-affected areas, where competition over resources can otherwise fuel conflict.

The EIIP model demonstrated that shared economic opportunities can act as a bridge between communities, fostering cooperation while addressing immediate livelihood needs.

Strengthening Local Capacity for Long-Term Impact

Beyond direct employment, the project invested in institutional capacity building, training local authorities, social partners, and enterprises on EIIP methodologies, labour standards, and technical supervision.

This capacity-building component is expected to ensure sustainability, enabling local stakeholders to replicate and scale similar initiatives independently in the future.

Government Signals National Scale-Up

At the project's closing ceremony on 18 March 2026, attended by the Ambassador of Japan to Mali and senior government officials, authorities reaffirmed their commitment to expanding the model nationwide.

Plans include integration with national initiatives such as "Mon Quartier, Mon HIMO" and the establishment of a National EIIP Programme, aimed at systematically applying labour-intensive approaches to infrastructure development across Mali.

Global Recognition and Strategic Significance

The project received high-level recognition during a site visit by ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo, who emphasized the broader developmental impact of the initiative.

"For the ILO, this is more than a road — it is a lever for jobs, skills and hope for young people," Houngbo said.

His remarks underscore the growing importance of employment-focused infrastructure programmes in addressing interconnected challenges such as youth unemployment, displacement, and fragile state conditions.

A Model for Fragile and Displacement Contexts

As global displacement levels remain at record highs, the Bamako project offers a compelling model for integrated development interventions—combining infrastructure, employment, skills training, and social cohesion.

Development analysts note that such programmes can deliver high economic returns, with labour-intensive investments often generating more jobs per dollar spent compared to capital-intensive alternatives, while also strengthening community resilience.

Looking Ahead

With plans underway to scale the initiative nationally, Mali's experience could serve as a blueprint for other countries facing similar challenges. By aligning infrastructure development with employment generation and social inclusion, the EIIP approach demonstrates how targeted investments can deliver both immediate relief and long-term transformation.