🇧🇫Burkina FasoWest Africa
Forty doctoral students trained on responsible AI use in scientific research in Ouagadougou
via Lefaso.net4 min read
Forty doctoral students from various disciplines received training on the strategic, ethical, and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence AI in scientific research on April 21, 2026, in Ouagadougou. The workshop, titled "AI & Doctoral Research: Tools, Methods, and Responsible AI Practices for Doctoral Students," was held at the Virtual University of Burkina Faso UV-BF, initiated by the Interdisciplinary Center of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for Development CITADEL. Exclusively for early-career doctoral students, the workshop aimed to enhance their skills in using AI tools for bibliographic research, academic writing, and data analysis. It also served to raise awareness about scientific integrity, deemed essential as AI becomes an indispensable lever for scientific production. Dr. Rodrique Kafando, a research-lecturer at UV-BF and CITADEL, set the stage with a presentation on "Panorama of AI in Research: Opportunities and Realities." This topic clarified the capabilities, limitations, and potential pitfalls of these tools. He emphasized that researchers should avoid becoming mere machine executors, instead using AI as a lever to elevate their work towards greater ambition, interdisciplinarity, and scientific sovereignty. Salimata Sawadogo, a member of the organizing committee and trainer, stressed the need to supervise AI use among young researchers. She noted that while these tools are widely used, their mastery remains insufficient. She warned against blind trus
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The African Forum for Innovations in Occupational Health, Safety, and Well-being AFRISST is scheduled to take place from July 2 to 4, 2026, in Ouagadougou. Organized by Sahelors Consulting and Arobase Communication, the event aims to gather professionals in occupational risk prevention, including occupational physicians, HSE managers, university researchers, public decision-makers, technology providers, and international institutions. Dr. Sounkalo Djibo, in an interview, highlighted the scientific and strategic foundations of AFRISST, its implications for African businesses, and the normative ambitions of the Ouagadougou Charter. Dr. Djibo explained that the forum's "African" scope reflects the belief that solutions for occupational health and safety OHS in Africa cannot solely rely on European or North American standards. He cited the example of heat exposure limits, which are often calibrated for different climatic and physiological contexts than those found in sub-Saharan Africa, where workers frequently operate in environments exceeding 30-33 °C. Ouagadougou was chosen as the host city due to the region's industrial and mining activity and Burkina Faso's growing institutional focus on OHS. Regarding the current state of OHS culture in African companies, Dr. Djibo noted a contrast: multinational corporations and mining operators show increasing maturity with OHSAS 18001 or ISO 45001 systems, while most other companies, including formal SMEs, have not yet integrated prevent
Must ReadThe second edition of the International African Stock Exchange Exhibition SIBA has opened, aiming to promote stock market culture across Africa. Léa Zagré/Rimtoumda, representing the Minister of Economy and Finance, highlighted the initiative's role in democratizing investment and expanding financial inclusion. She noted the growing interest among African citizens in financial matters and their desire to actively participate in economic financing, viewing this as a collective awareness of the importance of local savings for the continent's economic transformation. The exhibition, themed "Financial markets and financial inclusion: how to bring the Stock Exchange closer to the population?", seeks to remove barriers that keep many citizens from financial markets. The goal is to make the stock market accessible to all, including youth, entrepreneurs, traders, farmers, informal sector actors, and employees, enabling them to secure their future and contribute to economic growth. This aligns with a broader vision of economic sovereignty, encouraging investment in the national economy as a civic act to finance businesses, infrastructure, and development projects using local resources. The technical advisor to the Minister of Economy and Finance emphasized the critical need for financing in African economies, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises, young project leaders, and businesses seeking to innovate. Financial markets are presented as a strategic solution to mobiliz
Burkinabe artist Elty, whose real name is Lionel Tankoano, has released his new album "Likambia," a 13-track project that explores themes of memories, emotions, and transmission. The album prominently features the Gourmantchéma language, alongside other national languages of Burkina Faso such as Mooré, Dioula, and French. Elty, known for his Afro-pop and RnB style, gained public recognition in 2022 for his sensitive lyrics and storytelling. His musical journey began in high school with rap group Trypotes and was influenced by his parents' musical tastes, including zouk and Congolese rumba. Despite studying mining and quarries, music became his primary focus. He received several awards in 2023, including the Kundé for Revelation and Hope, the PCA, and the FAMA, and was recognized as a Guinness Young Talent in 2024. The word "Likambia" means "it will not be lost" in Gourmantchéma, reflecting Elty's desire for his work to endure. Beyond the album, the "Likambia" project includes charity concerts, donations, and social activities, aiming to use art for positive impact. The album delves into universal themes like memory, family, resilience, invisible wounds, love, and personal struggles, with each track representing an emotion or experience. Elty collaborated with three artists from different generations: Maria Bissongo on the title track "Likambia," Faity Baby on "Bobo Kadigné," and Kevin Mik on "Dis-moi," emphasizing the transmission of knowledge between generations. Through "Li
CFAO Mobility officially launched its range of hybrid vehicles in Burkina Faso on Thursday, June 4, 2026, during a press conference held at its showroom. The hybrid vehicles, from Suzuki and Toyota, include models such as the Suzuki Grand Vitara, the new Suzuki Accross, the Toyota Urban Cruiser, the Corolla Cross, the new RAV4, and the Land Cruiser 300. CFAO Mobility's decision to introduce hybrid technology is based on a pragmatic analysis of the Burkinabe market, aiming to offer customers a new experience with comfortable, fuel-efficient, and environmentally friendly vehicles. These hybrid vehicles combine a thermal engine and an electric motor, recharging automatically while driving without needing an external charging station. The system intelligently manages energy, prioritizing the electric motor at low speeds, combining both for acceleration, and using the thermal engine at steady speeds. During braking and deceleration, energy is recovered to recharge the battery through a regenerative braking system, providing a smooth and quiet driving experience similar to conventional vehicles. According to General Manager Camile Wassom, these hybrid models offer customers responsible and secure driving, with the advantage of very low fuel consumption and reduced fuel budgets. While slightly more expensive initially, the investment is quickly recouped through fuel savings. Commercial and Marketing Director Ariane Liehoun/Ouédraogo added that Toyota and Suzuki hybrid vehicles are k