🇧🇫Burkina FasoWest Africa
Burkina Faso improves performance in protecting public health against tobacco industry interference
via Lefaso.net9 min read
The Africa Against Tobacco association ACONTA launched its 2025 report on the tobacco industry interference index in Burkina Faso on Friday, April 24, 2026. This report, a key tool for analyzing and monitoring interactions between the tobacco industry and public authorities, highlights influence strategies used by the industry that often undermine public health. Burkina Faso achieved an honorable ranking in this edition, placing 8th globally out of 100 evaluated countries and 3rd in Africa out of 20. This is an improvement from its 2023 ranking of 11th globally and 4th in Africa, demonstrating the authorities' commitment to protecting public health and preventing tobacco industry interference in anti-tobacco policies, according to Adama Zango, ACONTA coordinator. The report's questionnaire, comprising 20 questions across seven categories, assesses how governments respond to tobacco industry tactics, guided by Article 5.3 of the World Health Organization WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control FCTC. These indicators include industry participation in policy-making, corporate social responsibility initiatives, benefits granted to the industry, unnecessary interactions, transparency in relations, conflicts of interest, and preventive measures taken by governments. ACONTA recommends adopting a revised anti-tobacco bill in line with the FCTC, which addresses new and emerging products, and adopting a draft decree to prevent tobacco industry interference in public health policies
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 10 countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Lefaso.net.
The Burkinabe community in Côte d'Ivoire is preparing to represent the diaspora at the National Culture Week SNC in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, from April 15 to May 2, 2026. A delegation of 33 individuals, comprising three selected troupes from Abidjan and Yamoussoukro, will travel for the event. Mamadou Savadogo, head of the delegation, expressed honor in representing the diaspora, noting his birth and upbringing in Côte d'Ivoire. The three troupes include Yipéné, competing in the singing category; Sidi Tinidja, participating in the instrumental competition; and Naaba Yaadga, performing traditional dance. Their goal is to promote Burkinabe culture and win awards. Rissa Agsalek, supervisor for the Sidi Tinidja instrumental group, stated their dedication to bringing trophies back to Abidjan. Balema Denis Bationo, supervisor for the Yipéné troupe, highlighted the lack of structured support for cultural initiatives in Côte d'Ivoire compared to Burkina Faso, where institutional backing exists. Troupes in Côte d'Ivoire largely rely on individual or community efforts for survival. Despite these challenges, the diaspora troupes are en route to Bobo-Dioulasso with the aim of achieving success.
Malian Prime Minister, Major General Abdoulaye Maïga, arrived in Bobo-Dioulasso on Friday, April 24, 2026, ahead of the official opening of the 22nd edition of the National Culture Week SNC 2026. He was welcomed by his Burkinabe counterpart, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, in an atmosphere of fraternity and cooperation between the two nations. Upon his arrival, the Malian Prime Minister received honors befitting his rank, with presidents of institutions, government members, and administrative and military authorities from the Guiriko region present. Following initial courtesies, the two heads of government held a brief discussion in the VIP lounge of Bobo-Dioulasso International Airport before the Malian delegation was escorted to their accommodation. The Malian Prime Minister's visit to Burkina Faso aims to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, particularly in cultural, economic, and tourism sectors. It also underscores the importance both nations place on promoting cultural values, fraternity, and solidarity within the confederal space of the Alliance of Sahel States.
Must ReadBurkina Faso's Council of Ministers has adopted a report on the 2027-2029 multi-year budget and economic programming document, a key element of the country's economic planning. The Minister of Economy and Finance, Dr. Aboubakar Nacanabo, stated that the central objective is to ensure the effectiveness of public spending, aiming for every franc spent to benefit the population. Projections for 2027 indicate a 5.7% economic growth and controlled inflation around 1.5%. However, the Minister acknowledged that the conflict in the Middle East could impact initial assumptions, necessitating reorganization to manage the crisis's effects and maintain robust growth. Additionally, the Council adopted a preliminary bill on the organization of a military reserve. The Minister of War and Patriotic Defense, Major General Célestin Simporé, explained that this reserve aims to structure a pool of immediately mobilizable reservists and strengthen the bond between the nation and its armed forces, adapting defense mechanisms to security realities. The project plans to recruit and train 100,000 reservists by the end of 2026, integrating patriotic defense into a framework of citizen participation. Major General Simporé noted that citizens of fighting age will be trained and called upon as needed, in line with the popular progressive revolution.
On International Girls in ICT Day, graphic designer, entrepreneur, and trainer Atika Ouattara shared insights into her career, which began with a professional reorientation from geography to graphic design after discovering it post-baccalaureate. She founded Noblesse_art, a visual creation company that offers graphic design training and services like poster and logo design. Ouattara discussed the challenges she faced as a young woman in the field in Burkina Faso, particularly initial client skepticism due to her gender and the demanding nature of the work. She emphasizes the importance of digital communication and social media for visibility, citing a TikTok post about a luminous sign she created as a pivotal moment for her career. Ouattara also highlighted the positive impact of artificial intelligence on her work, noting its ability to accelerate visual creation and calling it an essential ally for professionals. She stressed that effective AI use requires advanced knowledge and training. Additionally, she has authored a book titled "Dans la tête d’un graphiste" In the Mind of a Graphic Designer, which offers insights into the daily life and challenges of a graphic designer. Ouattara concluded with a strong message of encouragement for young girls considering careers in digital fields, urging them to be courageous and not to be limited by societal expectations about gender-specific professions.