BRICS and Burkina Faso: Transition to the Practical Implementation of Joint Projects

A delegation of the International Alliance of BRICS Strategic Projects, led by the President of the Alliance, Larisa Zelentsova, paid an official visit to the capital of Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou, from 18 to 21 December 2025. The visit took place within the framework of the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed on 13 June 2023 between the Government of Burkina Faso and the International Alliance of BRICS Strategic Projects.

During the visit, Larisa Zelentsova personally took part in negotiations with the Minister of Basic Education on issues related to the eradication of illiteracy and the promotion of Burkina Faso’s national languages, as well as with the Director General for Major State Projects. The parties discussed prospects for the implementation of joint initiatives aligned with the country’s national priorities, including the development of education, human capital, and sustainable socio-economic projects. It was particularly emphasized that the activities of the International Alliance of BRICS Strategic Projects are based on the principles of public diplomacy rather than classical political engagement. This approach fully corresponds to Burkina Faso’s new foreign policy doctrine, which is oriented toward multipolarity and the diversification of international partners.

The delegation also included Don Mello Ahua, Vice President of the Alliance, and Assata Fanny, Head of the Business Council.

As part of the visit, the Alliance delegation demonstrated an active humanitarian commitment. A charitable visit was made to SOS Village d’Enfants in Ouagadougou, during which the Alliance donated 150 sets of toys to support children, youth, and vulnerable families. The organization implements programs in the fields of education, healthcare, and social and professional integration.

The International Alliance of BRICS Strategic Projects has undertaken to expand its support for SOS Village d’Enfants in the future, including the provision of school kits, the development of sponsorship programs, and the launch of an arts school included in the list of prospective projects.

On 12 June 2023, during a previous visit of the Alliance to Ouagadougou, the President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, received the Alliance delegation. At that time, the parties discussed economic, humanitarian, and cultural cooperation with the BRICS countries. In recognition of his contribution to the struggle for sovereignty and the development of the country, the President of Burkina Faso was awarded the BRICS Medal. In addition, on 8 November 2024, the Prime Minister of Burkina Faso, Apollinaire Kyélem de Tambèla, held a meeting with the Alliance’s national team. Representatives of the Alliance, led by Sylvain Bambara, presented initiatives to the Head of Government aimed at intensifying and institutionalizing cooperation.

One of the key principles of the International Alliance of BRICS Strategic Projects is to promote the resilience of partner countries’ economies through the development of human capital, the expansion of access to knowledge, practical competencies, and investment. These objectives are fully aligned with the ideology of the “New Burkina Faso,” based on the concept of endogenous autonomous development and the People’s Progressive Revolution.

The next visit of the delegation of the International Alliance of BRICS Strategic Projects to Ouagadougou is scheduled for February 2026 and will focus on a detailed analysis of mechanisms for the practical implementation of the planned projects.