On October 6, 2026, Burkina Faso's Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts, and Tourism, Pingwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo, presented a review of his department's actions since October 2022, at the SIAO. The review coincided with the third edition of the National Days of Patriotic Engagement and Civic Participation (JEPPC). The event also saw the launch of the "Répertoire des noms de familles au Burkina Faso," a book priced at 10,000 F CFA.
The Ministry of Communication, Culture, Arts, and Tourism was formed in 2022, bringing together various sectors previously under different ministries. The ministry now has approximately 2,450 agents, 13 regional directions, 45 provincial directions, and 10 public establishments. These include the Burkinabè Bureau of Copyright (BBDA), the National Center for Arts, Spectacle, and Audiovisual (CENASA), and the Faso Tourism Agency.
In the communication and media sector, Minister Ouédraogo highlighted the implementation of the government's communication strategy during wartime. Several initiatives were developed to strengthen government communication and improve public information. These include "Tribune de redevabilité," "Questions majeures," and "Débats de presse" programs. Journalists were also organized on immersion missions in reconquered areas.
The minister emphasized the fight against disinformation as a major axis. The government transformed the Burkinabè Information Agency (AIB) into a public establishment and created RTB 3, dedicated to national languages. Burkina Faso also strengthened its media cooperation within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), with projects like the "Daandè Liptako" radio and "Tafouk TV" confederal television.
Financially, the ministry allocates around 400 million F CFA annually to subsidize private press. The minister stressed that the government aims to provide better working conditions for the press, not to eliminate it. In the culture and arts sector, several actions were taken to safeguard and valorize national heritage. The minister announced the institutionalization of the national cultural heritage list, with 142 classified cultural assets and 190 elements of intangible cultural heritage.
The minister also reported progress in the tourism sector, focusing on the revival of internal tourism, which was severely affected by the security crisis. Several application texts of the tourism orientation law were adopted to integrate new categories of tourist establishments. The ministry also reported on the organization of major cultural events, such as FESPACO and the National Culture Week (SNC).
Key initiatives and reforms have been undertaken to improve the structuring of cultural sectors and enhance Burkina Faso's presence on the regional and international scene. These include the creation of the Burkinabè Cinematography and Audiovisual Agency (ABCA) and the Faso Film Funds. The reforms aim to support the growth of the cultural and tourism industries in the country.
Key points
- The Burkinabè government has strengthened its media cooperation within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
- The ministry has implemented several initiatives to improve public information and fight disinformation.
- The government has allocated around 400 million F CFA annually to subsidize private press.
