MALI
BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
The threat of terrorism and violent extremism have worsened in recent decades, become increasingly pronounced in the Central Sahel region of Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger.
Key drivers of violent extremism include high levels of youth unemployment, recurring farmer-herder conflicts, and persistent governance-related grievances. Terrorist and violent extremist groups exploit these vulnerabilities by promoting narratives of injustice and offering protection in exchange for loyalty, thereby further destabilising already fragile communities. GCERF began investing in the country in 2017 and till date USD 10.1 million has been invested to address these drivers of violent extremism.
OUR INVESTMENT STRATEGY IN MALI
GCERF’s investment strategy outlines a comprehensive approach to address the drivers of violent extremism and guides civil society organisations in designing their programmes.
GCERF funds programmes that:
Contribute to improvements in the social ecology to create conditions conducive to prevention and resilience-building
Promote socio-economic integration through livelihood opportunities to reduce susceptibility to radicalisation and recruitment by violent extremist groups
Facilitate community-led rehabilitation, disengagement, and (re)integration, including people disengaging from criminal, non-state armed, and violent extremist groups.
KEY FIGURES
(Investment and grant figures updated as of January 2026 and programme results updated as of June 2025)
AREAS WHERE WE WORK
Kayes, Mopti, Koulikoro, Timbuktu, Bamako, Gao, Sikasso, Kidal, Segou
Sustainable Development Goals
Peace, Justice & Strong Institution
No Poverty
Quality Education
Gender Equality
Decent Work & Economic Growth
Reduced Inequalities
