Burkina Faso: Presidential initiative drives educational transformation

Launched in June 2024, the Presidential Initiative for Quality Education for All (IPEQ) is rapidly advancing in Burkina Faso, bringing ambitious projects aimed at transforming educational infrastructure and aligning curricula with the nation’s development goals.

On January 2, 2025, a groundbreaking ceremony at Thomas Sankara University marked a significant milestone for the initiative.

Presided over by Captain Martha Céleste Anderson Dekomwin Medah, Director of the President’s Office, the event celebrated the commencement of construction on a 1,000-seat amphitheater.

This project is part of a larger plan to modernize educational facilities across the country, reflecting President Ibrahim Traoré’s commitment to prioritizing education as a cornerstone for national progress.

The initiative extends beyond Thomas Sankara University, encompassing the construction of additional infrastructure across universities and academic centers in Burkina Faso.

Planned developments include 12 laboratories, 15 seminar rooms, two 200-seat modular halls, 20 faculty offices, three open-plan offices, and a surveillance control room at the university.

On a broader scale, the IPEQ aims to build and equip 40 amphitheaters—each with capacities of 500 to 1,000 seats—along with modern dormitories, water boreholes, street lighting, and paved roads within academic campuses.

These enhancements are designed to meet the educational aspirations of the nation and provide the youth with a conducive environment for learning and innovation.

With a focus on nurturing a skilled and capable workforce, President Traoré’s initiative underscores the vital role of education in achieving sustainable development and securing a prosperous future for Burkina Faso.

Olivier TOE