Youth engagement boosts local tax revenue in Mali

Local development tax revenue in a rural commune in Mali increased by more than 50% in 2025 following efforts to involve young people in strengthening dialogue between residents and the municipality.

The increase enabled the municipality to meet a number of financial commitments on time. These included paying the salary of the local public health officer, covering costs for school supervisors and contributing to the medical evacuation system for severely ill patients. The municipality was also able to fund an artistic biennale and activities marking Mali’s Independence Day.

Young facilitators bridge the gap between citizens and local government

The approach is part of the Local Coaching Facilitator Programme (PACT), implemented by VNG International and the Association of Municipalities of Mali. Young people are trained as facilitators and engage residents in discussions about local governance, civic responsibilities and the services provided by municipalities. The programme aims to increase residents’ understanding of how local government works and how local revenues contribute to public services. By encouraging dialogue between citizens and their municipality, it also seeks to strengthen citizen participation and local accountability.

PACT programme expands across Mali

PACT is currently being implemented in five communes in Mali as part of the Sustainable Development through Improved Local Governance programme (SDLG 2022–2026). For security reasons, the names of the participating communes cannot be disclosed. The wider programme supports four intermunicipal cooperation networks that work together on challenges shared by neighbouring municipalities, including environmental issues.