Empower, Engage, Build the Future
The PAFEEM programme is more than just a development initiative—it is a vital lever for building a better future for communities affected by humanitarian crises.
- Français
- English
In regions impacted by humanitarian emergencies, rebuilding a dignified and sustainable life is a tremendous challenge. The Programme for the Promotion of Access to Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Employment in Mali (PAFEEM), launched by the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Government of Mali, offers a tangible and hopeful solution. More than a development project, PAFEEM is a powerful engine for empowerment, social inclusion, and economic resilience for the most vulnerable populations—displaced persons, unemployed youth, women, and people with disabilities.
Aissata Barry
Aissata Barry, 37, and her family were forced to flee Koro, in the Bandiagara region, due to escalating insecurity. Fleeing the armed conflict, they arrived in Sévaré (Mopti) in waves, seeking refuge far from home. After four long years in displacement, Aissata’s husband, 76-year-old Hassane Barry, is still unable to resume his once-thriving business. “We left everything behind. I was a successful merchant in Koro, but here, I do nothing,” he says, surrounded by his children, his eyes heavy with nostalgia. The Barry family has survived thanks to the solidarity of host families and the incredible determination of Aissata.
It’s 9 a.m. Aissata walks the dusty streets of Sévaré with a bucket on her head and another in her right hand, selling milk. She fills small plastic bags and sells them for 50 to 100 CFA francs, depending on what her customers can afford. Through this modest trade, she has built a name for herself—momentarily setting aside the trauma of the crisis in central Mali.
Despite the challenges, the family experienced a turning point in 2024, when Aissata joined PAFEEM. “I heard about the programme on the radio and registered. A few days later, I got a call saying I’d been selected as a beneficiary,” she recalls with a smile. Through the programme’s training, she was able to diversify her income sources and now also sells soap and detergent.
“I invested the funds and made a profit. I support my husband and six children—all of whom are in school. One is sitting for the baccalaureate this year, another has earned his Certificate of Completion of Fundamental Education (DEF). I’ve even enrolled one child in a health school. The others are in sixth, third, and second grade. Thanks to this programme, I can support my family,” Aissata says proudly.
Ibrahim Dicko
In Komoguel II, Mopti, 37-year-old Ibrahim Dicko, who is visually impaired, champions the dignity of persons with disabilities. “No one should be forced to beg because of their disability. I may be disabled, but that doesn’t mean I have to rely on handouts to live,” he declares firmly. Ibrahim sells oil at Mopti’s fishing port and, thanks to PAFEEM, has expanded his business. “The security grilles for my shop were funded by the programme. That has helped me a lot,” he explains.
He urges others with disabilities to pursue what he calls “dignified” and “noble” work. “Everyone can work and earn a decent living,” he asserts, expressing gratitude to the Government of Mali, the World Bank, and UNICEF for their support.
Aissata Bah
Another PAFEEM beneficiary, Aissata Bah, lives in Komoguel with her two children. At 37, she has taken up cattle fattening. “Every day, as I tend to my animals, I notice the curious looks from passersby. They wonder how someone who can’t walk manages to care for cattle. I understand their surprise, but for me, it’s all about determination. Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” she says with resolve.
With PAFEEM’s help, she hopes to grow her business. She began with two bulls, which she raised and sold. “I reinvested the money in a breeding pair that will give me calves. My dream is to own a full cattle farm one day, to meet my needs and inspire others,” she says, her eyes full of hope.
Mahamadou
Seventeen-year-old Mahamadou, a tailor, recalls his unforgettable moment: “The day I received the financial assistance, I was so overwhelmed I couldn’t sleep. It was the first time I had held so much money. I was afraid someone would take it back. My mother had to reassure me,” he says, eyes sparkling.
With the funds, he bought a brand-new sewing machine, an essential tool that marked his first step toward independence. “Before, I had to borrow my boss’s machine. Now, I can focus on my own designs. I’m able to earn an income and help my family,” he shares, his pride unmistakable.
Djené
Djené Kansaye, 36, is a participant in PAFEEM’s Labour-Intensive Public Works (TP-HIMO) component. As a team leader, she takes pride in serving her community. “This programme doesn’t just create jobs—it strengthens bonds among youth and fosters peace in our region. Every morning, I make sure my team is ready to clean up Mopti’s neighborhoods,” she says, her voice filled with determination.
For Djené, the work has brought transformation. “We’ve grown close—almost like a family. With my monthly income, I can finally make ends meet,” she says with a radiant smile. Some of the youth have even started families thanks to the programme. “We’re already thinking about how to keep our communities clean after the programme ends,” she adds, looking toward the future.
UNICEF is responsible for implementing component 3 of the PAFEEM programme and plays a key role. Working closely with partner NGOs—APIDEV (Association for Integrated Development Programme), AMSS (Malian Association for Survival in the Sahel), and NOHO (New Horizon)—and local authorities, UNICEF coordinates field activities to ensure synergy between interventions and coherent responses to community needs. With its technical expertise, UNICEF supports the strategic design of programme activities to ensure they are context-appropriate, inclusive, gender-sensitive, and geared toward sustainable results.
Today, Aissata, Mahamadou, Djené, Ibrahim, and other beneficiaries raise their voices to thank the Government of Mali, the World Bank, and UNICEF. “We ask that this programme be extended to more youth, and that a second round of financial support be made available to help us grow our businesses. This would enable us to generate more income and better meet our families’ needs,” they say with hope. To date, component 3 of the PAFEEM programme has reached 23,511 people out of a target of 23,600, achieving 99.62% coverage through Income -Generating Activities and Labour-Intensive Public Works.
