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burIn a landmark move to strengthen cultural cooperation between Africa and Europe, Burkina Faso has officially launched the West African component of the “Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture” project.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Thursday, July 24, brought together diplomats, artists, cultural managers, and development partners including the European Union and the Goethe-Institut.
The project was unveiled by Burkina Faso’s Minister of Culture, Arts and Tourism, Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo, who emphasized its transformative potential
. “This initiative is designed to build the capacity of cultural professionals, promote the international visibility of festivals, and create employment opportunities for young African artists,” he said. He urged all stakeholders to embrace the project, which he described as pivotal for reshaping the cultural landscape of West Africa.
With a funding package of €10 million (approximately 6.5 billion CFA francs), the initiative aims to impact 250 festival professionals, 450 artists, and 48 festivals across 15 West African countries.
Key elements include short- and long-term training, regional and international networking, and financial support for major and mid-sized festivals.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Robert Adam, chargé d’affaires A.I. at the EU delegation in Burkina Faso, hailed the project as a powerful engine for cooperation, intercultural dialogue, and social cohesion. “Culture is a domain that forges lasting ties, builds bridges, and fosters a fruitful dialogue between civilizations,” he said.
Adam noted that this initiative is part of a broader strategy involving West African, Southern African, and continental components, reflecting the EU’s commitment to reinforcing people-to-people ties through cultural diplomacy.
He also highlighted the success of a previous EU-backed program in Burkina Faso, which supported 186 projects, created over 5,000 jobs, and helped launch more than 100 cultural enterprises.
In total, the EU has invested €30 million in African cultural support projects, including substantial backing for Burkina Faso’s film industry.
Project Manager Nakanabo Mamoudou outlined the program’s goals for the 2025–2028 period.
“We aim to break down barriers between West Africa’s francophone, anglophone, and lusophone regions, while fostering exchange with European festivals,” he explained.
Implemented by the Goethe-Institut, the Africa-Europe Partnerships for Culture is poised to become a cornerstone of cultural professionalization and internationalization in West Africa, paving the way for inclusive and sustainable development through the arts.
