Ten researchers affiliated with institutions in Burkina Faso have been ranked among the world's most cited scientists in the 2026 edition of the global ranking. This information was reported by the Burkinabe Information Agency (AIB) on October 27, 2026. The ranking is based on bibliometric indicators from the Scopus database, including the number of citations of scientific publications. These researchers operate in various fields, including energy, forestry, chemistry, and tropical medicine.
According to data from TOPSCINET reported by the AIB, the number of Burkinabe researchers in the ranking increased from nine in 2025 to ten in 2026, representing an 11.1% increase. This places Burkina Faso at 108th position globally in terms of the number of researchers listed. The ranking highlights the growing presence of Burkinabe researchers in the global scientific community.
The ten researchers affiliated with Burkina Faso institutions, listed in order of their national ranking, are Kokouvi Edem N'Tsoukpoe from the International Institute of Water and Environment Engineering (2iE) in the field of energy; Jules Bayala from CIFOR-ICRAF Sahel in forestry; Sibidou Yougbaré from the Institute of Research in Health Sciences (IRSS) under the National Center for Scientific and Technological Research (CNRST) in a field related to strategic technologies.
Other researchers include Imaël Henri Nestor Bassolé from the Joseph Ki-Zerbo University (UJKZ) in medicinal and biomolecular chemistry; William Kofi Bosu from the West African Health Organization in tropical medicine; Halidou Tinto, Abdoulaye Diabaté, and Roch Kounbobr Dabiré from the IRSS in tropical medicine; Sodiomon Bienvenu Sirima from the Ministry of Health, also in tropical medicine; and Ali Sié from the National Institute of Public Health in the same field.
The increase in the number of Burkinabe researchers in the global ranking reflects the country's growing scientific output and impact. This trend is expected to continue, with more researchers from Burkina Faso institutions likely to be recognized globally in the coming years.
The recognition of Burkinabe researchers in various fields highlights the country's potential for scientific innovation and contribution to global knowledge. It also underscores the importance of continued investment in research and development to support the growth of the scientific community in Burkina Faso.
The Burkinabe government's efforts to promote scientific research and innovation have been instrumental in this achievement. Continued support for researchers and institutions is crucial to sustaining this momentum and ensuring that Burkinabe scientists remain competitive on the global stage.
Key points
- Ten researchers from Burkina Faso institutions have been ranked among the world's most cited scientists in 2026.
- The number of Burkinabe researchers in the ranking increased by 11.1% from 2025 to 2026.
- Burkina Faso ranks 108th globally in terms of the number of researchers listed in the 2026 ranking.
