As part of the 2026 National Days of Patriotic Engagement and Civic Participation (JEPPC), the Ministry of Justice organized a meeting with "Les Étoiles du Faso" for students at the Université Saint-Thomas-d'Aquin (USTA). The goal is to raise awareness among students about their role in building a more autonomous country and promoting economic sovereignty. Four successful entrepreneurs were invited to share their experiences in various fields, including agri-food, poultry farming, fashion design, and informal economy.
The event featured Lassané Sawadogo, a retired army captain who now runs a successful agropastoral business. He shared his journey, highlighting the importance of hard work and dedication. Sawadogo's business generates over 2 billion F CFA in annual revenue from livestock and agriculture. He encouraged students not to rely solely on a salary or formal employment but to create value and pursue their passions.
Harouna Kadio, Secretary General of the Ministry of Justice, emphasized the significance of this meeting in raising awareness among students about their role in building Burkina Faso. He stressed that every member of society, from farmers to artisans, researchers, and entrepreneurs, contributes to the country's development. Kadio believes that universities should be more than just centers of knowledge transmission; they should be incubators of solutions tailored to the country's realities.
The event also featured remarks from Abbé Hermann Ouédraogo, Director General of USTA, who welcomed the activity and highlighted its potential to inspire university students, particularly those studying law. He emphasized the importance of ethics in academic and professional pursuits, encouraging students to develop a strong sense of social responsibility.
The 2026 edition of JEPPC, which runs from October 2 to 16, has the theme "Producing Burkinabè, Consuming Burkinabè". This theme aims to promote patriotism and encourage citizens to support local products and entrepreneurship. The event is an opportunity for students to engage with successful entrepreneurs and learn from their experiences.
The four "Étoiles du Faso" who shared their experiences with USTA students were selected for their achievements in various fields. Their stories demonstrate the potential for success and growth in Burkina Faso, and they serve as role models for young entrepreneurs. By sharing their journeys, they hope to inspire students to pursue their passions and contribute to the country's development.
The meeting between "Les Étoiles du Faso" and USTA students is part of a broader effort to promote entrepreneurship and patriotism in Burkina Faso. By engaging with students and encouraging them to take an active role in shaping the country's future, the government and other stakeholders aim to build a more autonomous and prosperous nation.
Key points
- The event aims to promote entrepreneurship and patriotism among university students in Burkina Faso.
- Four successful entrepreneurs shared their experiences with students at the Université Saint-Thomas-d'Aquin.
- The 2026 edition of JEPPC has the theme "Producing Burkinabè, Consuming Burkinabè".
