KOUPÉLA — The Belgian Development Agency (ENABEL) officially inaugurated its first headquarters in Koupéla on Thursday, June 27, 2024, marking a significant step in the agency’s efforts to enhance its development programs in Burkina Faso.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Intervention Manager of Koupéla and representative of the Country Director, the opening ceremony was presided over by Aissata Angelina Traoré, the High Commissioner of Kourittenga province, along with other provincial authorities. During the event, the details of the 2023-2027 bilateral cooperation program between Burkina Faso and the Kingdom of Belgium, valued at over 22 billion FCFA, were highlighted. This program includes interventions in socio-economic empowerment, social cohesion, and urban planning, focusing on young people, women, and internally displaced persons across multiple regions including the Centre-North, Central Plateau, East, and Center-East.
The initiative was launched in November 2023 and has been structured around five main pillars. One of the showcased projects operates in the village of Dassiu, within the commune of Dialgaye, demonstrating ENABEL’s commitment to localized and sustainable development efforts. The agency also stressed its integrity policy during the presentation, underscoring a transparent and participatory approach to its operations.
Mr. Kaboré emphasized the importance of collaboration with local authorities for the success of the program, noting that the presence and commitment of provincial leaders at the inauguration were indicative of the strong support ENABEL expects to receive. He stated, “Our intervention in the Center-East region and Kourittenga province cannot be effective without the authorities. This morning’s event is a testament to their readiness to assist us in implementing our joint goals.”
The High Commissioner Aissata Angelina Traoré reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the project, expressing enthusiasm about hosting ENABEL’s headquarters in Koupéla and promising full support from local actors to ensure the program’s success.