🇧🇫Burkina FasoWest Africa
Burkina Faso experts convene to develop three transformative agri-food programs
via Lefaso.net8 min read
The United Nations System, in collaboration with the Burkinabe government, is hosting a workshop from February 3 to 5, 2025, in Ouagadougou. The event aims to develop three programs focused on transforming agri-food systems and strengthening community resilience through humanitarian, development, and peace frameworks. Dr. Aboubakar Nacanabo, the Minister of Economy, presided over the opening ceremony. The workshop follows recommendations from UN regional directors and the Deputy Secretary-General's missions to Burkina Faso in June and July 2024. The Minister emphasized that the Council of Ministers will only validate documents that fully meet government expectations and previously communicated guidelines. He stressed the importance of tangible results, particularly in social cohesion, stating that solutions lie in qualitative improvements to people's lives, such as providing basic social services, schools, health centers, boreholes, agricultural developments, and employment opportunities for youth. Carol Flore Smerecgniak, the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System, highlighted the complex and multidimensional challenges facing Burkina Faso and the Sahel, advocating for interventions that address structural causes of instability and promote sustainable, inclusive development. She reaffirmed the UN System's commitment to supporting Burkina Faso's development efforts, calling for mobilization from development partners, international financial institutions, the privat
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The Ministry of Family and Solidarity and the United Nations Population Fund UNFPA held discussions on Friday, June 5, 2026, in Ouagadougou, regarding the restructuring of women's centers. These structures, historically dedicated to women's emancipation, are now seeking revitalization. The project, led by Lieutenant-Colonel Passowendé Pélagie Kaboré of the Ministry, aims to transform these spaces into modern centers for training, production, and economic empowerment. Yves Sassenrath, the new UNFPA Resident Representative in Burkina Faso, expressed the organization's readiness to support this reform. Plans include assessing needs, providing budgetary support, and establishing a pilot center to serve as a national model. The discussions also addressed combating gender-based violence, supporting the recovery of displaced populations, and improving basic social services. This initiative is part of an effort to strengthen social policies and women's empowerment in Burkina Faso.
GEBANA Faso officially inaugurated its industrial complex for cashew and mango processing in the rural commune of Péni, Guiriko region, on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Located in the village of Mê on a 7.2-hectare site, this modern facility aims to enhance local agricultural product processing, create thousands of jobs, and strengthen the cashew and mango value chains in Burkina Faso. The inauguration ceremony was presided over by the governor of the Guiriko region, represented by the secretary general of Houet province, Sombéniwendé Nikiéma. The event brought together administrative, customary, and religious authorities, technical and financial partners, producers, and GEBANA group officials. The Swiss fair trade company, through this achievement, reaffirms its commitment to sustainable investment in Burkinabè agricultural production. Christophe Schmidt, CEO of GEBANA AG, stated that this project represents the largest investment his group has made in over 50 years of existence. He acknowledged the technical, financial, and human challenges encountered but expressed pride in the outcome, highlighting the professionalism of the construction companies, investors, local authorities, and the GEBANA Faso team. Schmidt emphasized that the factory embodies a strong belief in fairer trade, creating stable jobs, family incomes, and secure markets for producers. According to Ousseni Porgo, CEO of GEBANA Faso, the industrial complex was designed to meet international agro-industrial standar
Wendlasida Constance Kaboré, a jurist and financial services administrator, has nurtured a passion for writing since adolescence. Her literary works, which she humorously calls her "literary fridge" contents, have now emerged with the publication of "Les Sept Harmattans," a 90-page collection of short stories exploring the fragilities of Burkinabe society. This debut work earned her the Grand Prize for Short Story at the 2025 Ouagadougou International Book Fair FILO, introducing a sensitive, rigorous author deeply committed to humanity to the literary world. Kaboré's writing journey began in college, where she used a notebook to document her days, dreams, and hopes, finding solace in reading and writing. Her texts matured over many years; initially, a novel was planned for publication, but she decided to rework it. The short stories, already nearly complete, then became her focus. She emphasizes that the main difficulty in writing is self-confidence, as publishing involves exposing a part of oneself to judgment. Kaboré credits her French teacher, an uncle, and her family for their encouragement, which was crucial in her decision to publish. Despite this support, nearly five years passed between her decision to publish and the book's release. In her professional life, Kaboré works as a financial services administrator at the Directorate General of Economy and Planning. She views her profession not as an obstacle but as a source of discipline and motivation, finding time to wri