Tenkodogo: The 3rd Forum of Entrepreneurs of the Burkinabe Diaspora opened Thursday, under the theme: “Contribution of Burkinabe Abroad to Food Sovereignty.” This meeting reflects the participants’ desire to become more involved in the development of Burkina Faso, along the lines outlined by the first authorities.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Ms. Bªbgnasgnan Stella Eldine KABRE/KABORE, Minister Delegate for Regional Cooperation, welcomed the strong mobilization of delegations from all over the world. She expressed her gratitude for this commitment, which she considers an eloquent testimony to the deep attachment of Burkinab¨ abroad to the motherland.
“Through this trip, you are expressing not only your loyalty to our values, but also your desire to contribute concretely to the socio-economic development of our country,” said the minister, adding that this initiative directly addresses current challenges, including climate change and food insecurity.
Infrastructure Minister Adama Luc Sorgho urged the diaspora to become a strategic player in the national agricultural transformation, contributing its expertise, technologies, skills, and responsible investments. He recalled that the President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traor©, has initiated an agro-pastoral and fisheries offensive aimed at laying a solid foundation for sustainable food independence.
Romuald Sawadogo, president of the organizing committee and a Burkinabe resident in Accra, spoke on behalf of the diaspora participants. He emphasized that the forum is not just a meeting but a call for all Burkinabe abroad to engage in national development.
“We did not come to give lessons, but to contribute our stone to the national edifice. Together, with those who are here, we can move forward,” he affirmed, calling for active solidarity between Burkinab¨ from here and elsewhere.
He highlighted the participation of 25 descendants of Burkinabe deported to the United States during the slave trade, who are now leading concrete economic projects. Sawadogo also stressed the need for a one-stop shop to facilitate administrative procedures for diaspora investors.
Sawadogo pointed out that the forum serves as a space for optimizing the experiences and expertise of the diaspora in agricultural value chains. He praised the innovation of this edition: the presence of diaspora companies showcasing their projects and ambitions.
The Minister Delegate in charge of Burkinabe Abroad noted that this forum continues the 2023 editions, aligning with the presidential agenda that seeks to combine efforts of Burkinabe both within and outside.
The opening ceremony was attended by special advisers to the President of Faso, administrative, religious and customary authorities, as well as numerous actors from civil society and the agricultural sector.
This 3rd forum marks a turning point in redefining relations between the Burkinabe diaspora and the State. The initiative aims to generate concrete, sustainable synergies for the agricultural sector.
The Minister Delegate for Regional Cooperation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to closely follow the recommendations from the forum. She then declared the forum open, commencing three days of discussion, innovation, and partnership building for a sovereign and nurturing Burkina Faso.