Burkina Faso: Dr. Idrissa Ouédraogo on the importance of human capital and research for African development
Dr. Idrissa Ouédraogo, a research professor in development economics at Thomas Sankara University, discusses the critical role of human capital and research in Africa's development. He highlights the work of the Center for Studies and Research on Human Development in Africa CERDHA, an independent non-profit organization he leads, which aims to promote human development by focusing on education, training, health, research, and innovation. CERDHA offers training, seminars, and support to students, young researchers, professionals, and decision-makers, fostering a new generation of African researchers. Dr. Ouédraogo emphasizes that human capital, encompassing health, skills, and knowledge, is crucial for economic transformation, poverty reduction, and innovation in Burkina Faso and Africa. He advocates for viewing human capital as a strategic investment rather than a social expense. While acknowledging the challenges of insufficient funding and infrastructure in Burkinabe research, he notes encouraging signs of structuring research around national priorities. He stresses the need to bridge the gap between research, public policy, and the private sector to ensure that knowledge produced translates into concrete solutions for societal problems. Dr. Ouédraogo also addresses the impact of digital tools and artificial intelligence on education, urging for responsible and critical use to enhance learning rather than replace intellectual effort. He calls on Burkinabe youth, public auth
