The "Transfer of Knowledge Through Expatriate Nationals" program, commonly known as TOKTEN, is a program directed to the phenomenon and the expression of interest shown by qualified expatriates in participate in the development of their country of origin, via the transfer of expertise and skills.

In Mali, the TOKTEN falls under the temporary return of scientific and technical diaspora and, on an initial phase that lasted between 1998 - 2008, targeted the field of higher education.