Burkina Faso: Supporting the Cultural Sector

There is an increased awareness amongst international aid stakeholders that culture is a powerful tool for enhancing socio-economic development, building social cohesion, and fostering peace. In Burkina Faso, development of this sector can contribute significantly to the government’s fight against terrorism, with hopes of raising awareness amongst its people and preventing more of the jihadist attacks that have frequently plagued the country since 2015.

The Technical Assistance’s general objective is to continue to strengthen the structuring, organization, and operation of the priority sectors linked with culture and tourism, increasing the efficiency of public institutions in the allocation of their services. This will be done in the hope that the cultural industries can contribute to the country's economic growth and social cohesion. Targeted priority sectors include: audiovisuals (cinema and television), performing arts (music, theater, storytelling, and dance), and crafts and applied arts (design, fashion, and fashion accessories).

Priority project objectives include:

• To strengthen and develop the operational efficiency of the Fund for Cultural and Tourist Development (FDCT).
• To support the Cultural and Tourist Development Fund, strengthening the initiatives of professional organizations in the design and implementation of support activities for companies in their sectors (management and production capacity).
• To contribute to the improvement of knowledge regarding the potential of cultural and tourist resources of the regions, so that the Ministry of Culture of Arts and Tourism and the FDCT can better support their enhancement.
• To strengthen the analysis, planning, and training capacities of the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Tourism (MCAT).