Ouagadougou Reports on Burkinabè Developments in Mining, Parliamentary Cooperation, and CAN 2023APEX-Burkina Hosts Fair in Bouaké to Support Stallions during CAN

OUAGADOUGOU – Burkinabè media outlets on Wednesday have been actively covering a range of significant developments including the initiation of a mining residue processing plant in Kossodo, the visit of Malian parliamentarians for a work and friendship session, and the performance of the national football team in the CAN 2023 in Ivory Coast.

According to Burkina Information Agency, a leading private daily in Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré officially inaugurated the mining residue processing plant, named Golden Hand SA, in the Kossodo area of Ouagadougou on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. This event marks a significant step in the country’s mining sector, coming just two months after the foundation stone was laid for the national gold refinery in the Ouaga 2000 area. Captain Traoré emphasized the importance of this development, inviting neighboring countries to process their mining residues in Burkina Faso. The state daily Sidwaya highlighted that with the commencement of Golden Hand SA’s operations, mining residues will no longer be exported for processing, signaling a boost in local industry capabilities.

In terms of bilateral relations, Sidwaya also reported on the visit of a delegation from the National Transition Council of Mali, which has been in Burkina Faso since Monday, January 22, 2022. The delegation, led by the 5th vice-president of the Malian parliament, Rakytalla Diarra, met with Dr. Ousmane Bougouma, president of the Transitional Legislative Assembly (ALT), in Ouagadougou on Tuesday. L’Observateur Paalga noted that the Malian deputies will spend seven days in Burkina Faso, discussing various cooperation areas such as security, sovereignty, common challenges, and regional development.

Additionally, Le Pays, a private newspaper, announced the inauguration of the Republic of Nicaragua’s embassy in Burkina Faso, signaling an expansion of diplomatic relations.

On another front, Le Pays reported on a meeting held on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, in Ouagadougou between regional governors and the Minister in charge of Territorial Administration, Emile Zerbo. This meeting, focused on assessing the prevailing security situation, also saw discussions urging the heads of non-resident administrative districts to return to their localities. L’Express du Faso, published in Bobo-Dioulasso, indicated ongoing efforts to address security challenges within the country.

In the sports arena, the Burkinabè press extensively covered the performance of the national football team, the Stallions of Burkina Faso, in the CAN 2023. L’Observateur Paalga reported that the Stallions were defeated by Angola’s Palancas in the last match of the round of 16, losing the lead in group D. Le Pays highlighted the noise caused by the Stallions’ defeat against Equatorial Guinea. Despite the setback, Sidwaya affirmed that the Stallions have qualified for the round of 16, maintaining their position in the tournament.

BOUAKÉ, Ivory Coast – In a move to support the Stallions during the 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations (CAN) in Côte d’Ivoire, several Burkinabè initiatives have been launched. Notably, the Ministry in charge of trade, through the Agency for the Promotion of Exports from Burkina (APEX-Burkina), organized a fair at the Burkina Faso consulate in Bouaké.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the Director of Commercial Promotion at APEX-Burkina, the fair aims to unite the diaspora and supporters in a unique way to back the Stallions. He emphasized that the event provides an opportunity for attendees to experience local Burkinabè products and cuisine. The fair features an array of local dishes representing Burkinabè culinary art, as well as products that showcase Burkinabè cultural expression through ‘Faso danfani’ and ‘koko donda’. Yamwemba noted a high level of enthusiasm and demand for the products and services offered at the fair.

Mrs. Sankara Alimata, a sales agent for the Odiss cosmetic laboratory, highlighted their participation in the fair to showcase products made from shea butter, including soap, shea honey, and anti-pimple shea, among others. Alimata mentioned their goal to introduce their products to the sub-region and Ivorians, capitalizing on the increased attendance due to the CAN.

Ms. Congo Debbie, the head of marketing and diaspora at the Cities Management Center (CEGECI), shared that their presence at the fair is part of their outreach activities during the CAN. Their aim is to connect with the Burkinabè diaspora in Ivory Coast, particularly in Bouaké, presenting housing offers and real estate programs. Debbie noted the significant interest from the Burkinabè community, many of whom are keen to explore their housing options.

The communicator from CEGECI addressed the issue of diaspora members being misled by relatives back home when sending money to invest in real estate. The presence of a trustworthy and serious structure at the fair provides reassurance to potential investors. The fair successfully set up around twenty stands for approximately thirty exhibiting companies and about ten institutions, facilitating a platform for cultural exchange and business opportunities.