The Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale (CNSS) of Burkina Faso officially opened the 10th edition of the Symposium on Audiovisual and Professional Risk Prevention (SYAPRO) in Ouagadougou on September 22, 2026. This year's theme is "Professional risk prevention in the digital economy era: impact, challenges, and perspectives." The event highlights the CNSS's role in building a prevention culture in Burkina Faso and the Interafrican space for Professional Risk Prevention.
The SYAPRO initiative was born from the desire of African countries to use audiovisual tools for awareness-raising. Over the years, it has become a continental reference point. For this 10th edition, 250 participants from 14 countries have gathered, including representatives from the International Association of Social Security (AISS) and the International Labor Organization (ILO). The event marks both an achievement and a new beginning, according to CNSS Director General Herman Yacouba Nacambo.
The CNSS Director General emphasized the importance of leveraging digital technology as a protection tool, rather than a vulnerability factor. He advocates for innovative, inclusive, responsible, and human-centered prevention. Nacambo stressed that technology's value lies in preserving workers' lives, health, and dignity. He also highlighted the irreplaceable nature of human responsibility in prevention.
Idrissa Nassa, President of the Confédération générale des entreprises du Faso (COGEF) and patron of the event, praised the CNSS's efforts in social protection. He called on business leaders to prioritize prevention, shifting from a compliance mindset to a genuine prevention culture. Nassa views prevention as an investment, not an expense, aligning with the CNSS's approach.
Minister of State Emile Zerbo, representing the Prime Minister, highlighted the urgency of the CNSS's actions. Citing ILO statistics, he noted that 3 million people die at work annually worldwide, while Burkina Faso reported 1,241 occupational accidents and diseases to the CNSS and 1,101 to the CARFO. Zerbo linked the CNSS's efforts to the vision of President Ibrahim Traoré and the 2026-2030 National Development Plan.
The Minister invited experts to propose endogenous solutions to harness digital technology for prevention. The CNSS's proactive approach goes beyond indemnification, aiming to anticipate and mitigate risks. This symposium enables the sharing of experiences and expertise to address the challenges of prevention in the digital economy.
The 10th SYAPRO symposium provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss and address the complexities of professional risk prevention in the digital age. With a focus on innovative and human-centered approaches, the event seeks to promote a culture of prevention in Burkina Faso and beyond. The CNSS's efforts aim to ensure that the digital economy serves as a tool for enhancing worker safety and well-being.
Key points
- The CNSS's 10th SYAPRO symposium focuses on prevention in the digital economy, bringing together 250 participants from 14 countries to share experiences and expertise.
- The event aims to promote a culture of prevention, shifting from compliance to a genuine prevention culture.
- The CNSS's proactive approach seeks to leverage digital technology as a protection tool, prioritizing worker safety and well-being.
