Zagtouli: Student Astride Jeanne D'Arc Ou©draogo, completing her bachelor's degree in project management, brilliantly defended her thesis on Monday on collaboration between stakeholders in the implementation of the Zagtouli 2 Solar Power Plant Construction Project (PCSZ2) in Burkina Faso.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the theme under which Astride Jeanne D'Arc Ou©draogo presented her work was "Analysis of stakeholder collaboration in the implementation of development projects and programs: the case of the Zagtouli 2 solar power plant construction project (PCSZ2)." During her presentation, the candidate advocated the involvement of local populations in the implementation of the Zagtouli 2 solar power plant construction project (PCSZ2).

Ms. Ou©draogo clarified that the success of the project depends mainly on the quality of coordination and communication between the different stakeholders. She also proposed several recommendations, including strengthening communication and involving local populations from the planning phase.

Astride Jeanne D'Arc Ou©draogo also assured that the optimization of decision-making processes contributes to better acceptance and the overall success of the project. Her study identified direct and indirect stakeholders involved in the project, such as municipal authorities, technical companies, engineers, donors, and local residents. She also examined their respective expectations and analyzed the mechanisms put in place to resolve conflicts of interest.

According to Dr. Vincent Zoma, her supervisor, the topic is current and in line with her field of study. "Although it's her undergraduate degree, she conducted her research with rigor in collecting and processing data using an acceptable methodology," he said. Dr. Zoma acknowledged that the document was well written in terms of form, following the university's guidelines, and that the topic was relevant and the methodology adopted yielded convincing results. "In light of all this, the jury was satisfied with the work that was done and encouraged him to pursue a master's degree," he added.

For the head of the monitoring, evaluation, and capitalization department of the Burkinabe National Electricity Company (SONABEL), Eudoxie Pascaline Sanon, the student is one of the first people to work with her on stakeholders. "I think it's important and there's a lot to do. Stakeholders can completely block a project, delay it, or even prevent it from happening," she continued.

According to Ms. Sanon, stakeholder input is fundamental to project implementation. "Stakeholders need to feel involved in order to leverage the tool you're going to implement. They need to know that it's for their own good and for the sustainability of the project," noted Eudoxie Pascaline Sanon. For her Master's thesis, she wanted the applicant to delve deeper into the issue of stakeholder involvement.

At the end of her defense, her thesis, described as interesting and topical, was deemed admissible by the jury. The work of student Astride Jeanne D'Arc Ou©draogo was awarded a score of 18/20 with an Excellent rating.