Ibrahim Traoré/ A call for “scientific patriotism”, that charts new course for Burkina Faso
In a recent address, President Ibrahim Traoré issued a powerful call for “scientific patriotism,” urging Burkinabe researchers, engineers, and innovators to combine their knowledge with a love for the homeland. This message, far from being merely symbolic, represents a major strategic orientation for Burkina Faso’s development in a world dominated by science and technology.
The scientific patriotism championed by the Head of State is based on a simple yet powerful idea: putting knowledge at the service of the nation. In other words, it is no longer enough to hold a degree or be an expert in a field; this expertise must directly contribute to collective progress.
President Traoré is thus calling for a revolution in mindset a new form of commitment where scientists are not confined to academic research but become active agents of national development.
In a country facing security, economic, and social challenges, this vision is remarkably pertinent.
Burkina Faso is rich with talent in various fields agronomy, engineering, medicine, technology, renewable energy but these skills often remain underutilized or are directed abroad.
Scientific patriotism aims to retain this intellectual capital, stimulate local creativity, and encourage “Made in Burkina” solutions.
Concretely, this could translate into the creation of national incubators, funding for applied research projects, the promotion of local inventions, and the integration of science into public policy.
A researcher driven by patriotism will prioritize solving the problems of their people whether by improving agricultural productivity, designing tools suited to local realities, developing medicines from African plants, or strengthening national cybersecurity.
The appeal of President Ibrahim Traoré also seeks to reconcile science and society. Research, often perceived as distant, must become accessible, understandable, and useful to the population.
Scientific patriotism builds this bridge, linking the passion for knowledge with civic responsibility.
In short, the message of the President is a strong signal for building a resilient, autonomous, and proud Burkina Faso.
It is by cultivating this union between science and patriotism that the nation can truly write its own destiny, with African solutions for African challenges.
Olivier TOE
