Ministry of Higher Education authorization now required for studies abroad
via Lefaso.net4 min read
The Council of Ministers adopted a new scholarship system for higher education and research on Thursday, June 25, 2025. This reform eliminates parental income as a criterion for awarding student scholarships. Additionally, it introduces a new requirement: any student wishing to pursue studies outside of Burkina Faso must now obtain prior authorization from the Ministry of Higher Education.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Lefaso.net.
Burkinabe artist Alif Naaba officially launched his sixth album, "Nifato" new look, in Ouagadougou on Thursday, June 25, 2026. The 14-track album, which he considers one of his most accomplished works, revisits his musical roots while exploring new sounds like Salou and Reggae Soul. "Nifato" is an introspective work that delves into Alif Naaba's personal journey and inspirations, celebrating themes such as love, solidarity, living together, gratitude, and resilience. The album was written in Ouagadougou, entirely recorded in Burkina Faso, mixed between Ouagadougou and Paris, and mastered in the French capital. Alif Naaba stated that "Nifato" allowed him to reconnect with the essence of his music, free from conventional codes and enriched by his childhood memories and personal history. He shared his humble beginnings in music, emphasizing how it transformed his life. Each song on the album tells a story or carries a name, with tracks like "Seeny" addressing Burkinabe youth, "Hamado" focusing on gratitude, and "Sahel" offering a positive perspective on the region, supported by the United Nations Development Programme UNDP, for which he is an ambassador. Other notable tracks include "Marieta," a tribute to women, and "Chérie Coco," a song dedicated to his wife. The album also features "Roots Love," "Tounga," "Gom Fom," "Mka Yimyé" about African migrants, "Mabilé" on blended families, and "Souleymane" about a displaced youth. A bonus track, "Ba Yir," with rapper Kayawoto, offers
Lionel Nikièma, project manager at Naana Technologies, discussed developing national capabilities to reduce external technological dependence. He emphasized that technological autonomy involves understanding, adapting, improving, maintaining, evolving, and critically evaluating technology, rather than immediately manufacturing everything locally. Nikièma identified four key pillars for technological autonomy: human capital, applied research, local integration, and strategic vision. Naana Technologies has trained over 500 defense and security agents as trainers to enhance their peers' capacities. Local engineers at Naana Technologies have developed solutions tailored to the needs of defense and security forces, establishing communication channels for feedback and operational requirements. For local integration, Naana Technologies adapts imported technology, such as developing dropping devices compatible with existing drones used by security forces. Nikièma proposed creating a national innovation, defense, and security fund, financed by a 0.5% to 1% levy on technology imports. He also suggested reforming tender processes to focus on problem-solving rather than specific equipment, and establishing a framework for testing prototypes and innovations. Naana Technologies showcases locally developed technologies, including the "NIMIR" permanent perimeter surveillance system, which is autonomous, solar-powered, and uses integrated AI to detect and track people, vehicles, and flying ob
Must ReadSouth Africa is experiencing another wave of xenophobic violence against migrants, with anti-migrant groups setting a June 30, 2026, deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave the country. This ultimatum comes amid physical violence, resulting in deaths and property destruction. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that attempts to destabilize the country will not be tolerated, and security forces are prepared. He warned that those who violate measures put in place will face the full force of the law, with police reinforcing security nationwide for June 30. Government officials are also working to ensure calm, including meeting with the Zulu royal house. Official sources report at least three deaths from the recent xenophobic violence, while Mozambican authorities indicate five of their citizens have died.