The Burkinabe Ministry of Defense has initiated its 18th conversion training session for military personnel nearing the end of their careers. The program, which kicked off on November 3, 2026, in Ouagadougou, aims to equip 93 participants with essential skills in agriculture and animal husbandry. The trainees, comprising 83 military personnel with projects and 10 forest agents, will undergo three weeks of intensive training.
The training program is part of the Ministry's efforts to support military personnel transitioning into civilian life. According to Intendant Colonel-Major Yamba Léonard Ouoba, the program seeks to empower participants with the necessary techniques and knowledge to succeed in their chosen fields. He emphasized that leaving the military does not mean ceasing to serve the nation, but rather transitioning into a different form of service.
The training sessions will be conducted in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso, with participants expected to gain practical skills in production, transformation, and marketing of agricultural products. Colonel-Major Alassane Guiré, Director of Cabinet at the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, Animal Resources, and Fisheries, commended the selection of beneficiaries and highlighted the government's commitment to supporting them.
The Ministry of Agriculture has pledged to provide participants with access to financing, land, and water, as well as technical assistance. A convention-cadre between the Ministries of Defense and Agriculture aims to support at least 1000 military personnel over the next five years. To facilitate their transition, the government has also announced a donation of 12 tons of agricultural inputs to the trainees.
The training program has yielded significant results since its inception in 2013, with 1529 military personnel trained in agriculture, animal husbandry, business planning, and enterprise management. Furthermore, over 100 military personnel have benefited from a subsidy mechanism for fertilizers, seeds, and plowing services since 2025.
The program's impact is expected to increase with the provision of six tractors, two of which will be allocated to each military region. The training will enable participants to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, analyze market opportunities, and manage production costs and risks effectively.
The Burkinabe government's efforts to support military personnel in their transition to civilian life demonstrate its commitment to their well-being and socio-economic integration. The conversion training program is a vital component of this strategy, empowering participants to contribute to the nation's agricultural development and economic growth.
Key points
- The Burkinabe Ministry of Defense has launched a training program for 93 military personnel and forest agents to acquire skills in agriculture and animal husbandry.
- The program aims to support military personnel transitioning into civilian life and contributing to the nation's agricultural development.
- The training program has yielded significant results since its inception in 2013, with 1529 military personnel trained in various fields.
