A renewed space for
technical coordination and dialogue between partners in the Sahel
The Sahel Cooperation Platform aims to improve the effectiveness and scale of the collective response to social, economic, and environmental challenges in the Sahel, with a regional perspective and in favor of Sahelian populations.
Objectives
Coordination of collective action
Improve coordination, complementarity, innovation and effectiveness of development and technical cooperation in the Sahel, whilst working in conjunction with existing coordination mechanisms at national level.
knowledge sharing
Provide access to consolidated data and shared analyses to support decision-making and programming aligned with national and regional priorities in the Sahel.
dialogue
Provide a structured space for dialogue and technically oriented exchange between partners and stakeholders in the Sahel on regional, cross-border and sectoral challenges.
ADVOCACY
Maintain international attention on the Sahel.
What guides our action
- Alignment with the development priorities of Sahelian partner countries and existing coordination mechanisms.
- Focus on technical coordination among development partners.
- Flexibility and provision of demand-driven services.
- Transparency, mutual accountability and shared ownership.
- Inclusivity and progressive engagement of partners.
- Sensitivity to political, cultural, social, and regional contexts.
- Mutual learning and knowledge sharing.
The focus of the Sahel Cooperation Platform is on Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Chad.
Cooperation is envisaged with other countries in the region within the framework of cross-border projects.
Operation
The governance bodies of the Sahel Cooperation Platform guide action and ensure the implementation of commitments:
The Members’ Conference sets strategic orientations and annual priorities. It is composed of all members.
The steering board ensures operational management and strategic follow-up. In 2026, it is composed of Italy (chair) and Norway. One seat is open to Sahel countries that are members of the platform.
The coordination unit ensures day-to-day coordination of the platform. It facilitates sectoral/technical working groups, supports the production and sharing of knowledge, and facilitates dialogue with the Sahel partners.
Specific entities
Technical working groups
The objective is to stimulate reflection and exchange on a theme, promote best practices, identify opportunities for co-financing or joint work, etc.
Partnership Forum
The objective is to foster exchange and consultation with a diversity of partners: civil society, the private sector, academia, regional organizations, local authorities, and citizens.
Members
The Sahel Cooperation Platform is open to states, multilateral organisations and development partners. Initiated in 2026, the initiative is constantly evolving and is progressively welcoming new members.
The current members of the Platform are: African Development Bank (AfDB), Belgium, Canada, Denmark, European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, United Nations (UN), United States, West African Development Bank (BOAD), World Bank.
Partner organisation
The Foundation “Sahel Facility” (FSF) is a trust fund established in 2021 to provide rapid funding for community projects in the Sahel countries. The Foundation is open to any donor wishing to get involved, particularly partners of the Sahel Cooperation Platform. The FSF is closely linked to the Sahel Cooperation Platform through the geographical area it covers, involvement in the governing bodies of both organisations, and their methodologies and priorities for action.