Burkina Faso: Challenges and Funding, the high national council outlines the directions for scientific research in 2024
The High National Council for Scientific Research and Innovation (HCNRSI) holds its ordinary session under the Presidency of Prime Minister Dr. Apollinaire Kyelem De Tambela On Thursday, November 7, 2024, the High National Council for Scientific Research and Innovation (HCNRSI) held its ordinary session in Ouagadougou, under the presidency of Prime Minister Dr. Apollinaire Kyelem De Tambela.
The session, held under the theme “Mechanisms for Transferring Research Results: Challenges and Perspectives on Funding”, marked the installation of 77 new members of the High Council. Representatives from various national research organizations were also present.
During the session, the Minister of Research and Innovation, Adjima Thiombiano, emphasized the importance of aligning research activities with national concerns to foster effective development in Burkina Faso. The creation of the High Council in 2013 was part of this vision, supported by the Law on the Orientation of Scientific Research and Innovation, and reinforced by Decree No. 2016-918 of October 3, 2016. This decree specifies that the HCNRSI serves as a body for reflection, foresight, and consultation on research and technology matters.
According to Article 4 of the decree, the High Council is tasked with providing reasoned opinions on the strategic choices of scientific, technological, and innovation policy. It proposes guidelines and strategies for the formulation of national and international policies in these fields, while also making recommendations to address the human, material, and financial resource needs of research actors.
Minister Thiombiano stressed the crucial role of researchers and innovators in solving the country’s current problems. He pointed out that scientific and technological solutions are essential to facing development challenges, and that research is key to paving the way for sustainable development across all sectors.
The discussions with the Prime Minister focused on three sub-themes, including research funding. The Minister highlighted that funding should be primarily directed toward research projects that have a direct impact on Burkinabe society.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing the necessary resources to achieve these objectives and to enhancing the impact of research on the country’s socio-economic development.
