Press Play
WELCOME HOME TO BURKINA FASO
Captain Ibrahim Traore
President of the Transition, Head of State
Burkina Faso, in its efforts to implement the Action Plan for Stabilization and Development (PA-SD), has embarked on a number of projects, including security, road, economic and socio-educational infrastructure, and agriculture.
We have also instigated some projects such as the amendment of the Mining Code and the improvement of the business climate to boost the implementation of our ambitious plan for the well-being of Burkina Faso people.
We need investors who respect our identity and values, in a mutually beneficial partnership. Our vision lies in the dynamic of sovereignty, self-determination and independence in our actions. Burkina Faso and Africa must be the masters of their own destiny and future in the use of their resources.
Our action is focused on the following priorities: fighting terrorism and restoring our territorial integrity, providing responses to the humanitarian crisis, rebuilding the State and improving governance, achieving national reconciliation and social cohesion.
Burkina Faso is endowed with enormous potential, both underground and above ground. Nature has blessed us with a lot of riches. To this end, and for endogenous, inclusive and mutually supportive development, I invite foreign investors, especially those from the diaspora, and all those investors who love peace and prosperity through pan-Africanism, to invest in my country, Burkina Faso. Alongside the nationals, you will support the relaunch of the development of the Country of Upright People, which is emerging from this multidimensional crisis with colonial overtones that it has been experiencing for nearly 10 years.
Burkina Faso, which is known to be a land of opportunity, hospitality and solidarity, is also a benchmark for resilience to endogenous and exogenous shocks, ensuring sustainable, durable and prosperous investments for investors and partners in all sectors. Its cultural wealth and the quality of its human resources, which is the bedrock of cohesion, is the hallmark of the radiant march towards a sustained diplomatic, economic and social renewal. Over the past years, Burkina Faso overcame sub-regional and international political and diplomatic upheavals, and is emerging as a worthy and respected nation in the international arena and in inter-country relations.
To the African diaspora in the United States and elsewhere, to all those international investors, the Country of Upright People is looking forward to welcoming you.
Long live cooperation, a source of progress!
Karamoko Jean Marie Traore
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkina Faso Citizens Abroad
Dear brothers and sisters of the African Diaspora across the world;
Dear friends of Burkina Faso and Africa; I have the great pleasure, on behalf of His Excellency Captain Ibrahim TRAORE, President of the Transition, Head of State, and on behalf of the Government and People of Burkina Faso, to express our pride and gratitude for choosing Burkina Faso for this unprecedented event entitled “Welcome Home to Burkina Faso”.
This event is of the utmost importance, as it highlights the efforts made by the sons and daughters of Africa and its diaspora to raise collective awareness and move irreversibly towards the union needed for a prosperous and united Africa.
Permit me to commend the vision and dynamism of the African Diaspora Development Institute (ADDI), which urges Africans to return to their homeland and become active players in its development and well-being. Burkina Faso, land of hospitality, country of upright people and of Thomas SANKARA, an icon of African youth, extends to you a heartfelt welcome.
From April 27 to May 04, 2024, you’ll have the opportunity to discover Burkina Faso, during the National Cultural Week (Semaine Nationale de la Culture, SNC), an event which showcases our country’s rich culture in all its diversity.
You will also have the opportunity to explore business and investment opportunities in Burkina Faso.
I have hope that, enriched by these various encounters, you will be tireless ambassadors for Burkina Faso in your own beautiful country and throughout the world. To you, brothers and sisters of the African diaspora living in the United States, Burkina Faso say: Ne y waongo! A dansè! Fofo ! Welcome to Burkina Faso !
WE ARE ADDI
H.E. Ambassador
Arikana Chihombori-Quao ADDI
President & Founder
Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of ADDI, Her Excellency Arikana Chihombori-Quao, MD is a medical doctor (having practiced medicine for over twenty-five years), founder and owner of medical clinics, diplomat, public speaker, educator, and an entrepreneur. She is also an author and her recently published book Africa 101: The Wake-Up Call is a best seller on Amazon.
Her Excellency Arikana Chihombori Quao MD was born and raised in Zimbabwe where she attained her primary and secondary education. She then left Zimbabwe for the United States of America where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in General Chemistry, a Master’s Degree in Organic Chemistry as well as a Doctor of Medicine Degree.
Her Excellency Ambassador Arikana Chihombori-Quao, MD is married to her Ghanaian husband and is a proud mother of five children and a very happy grandmother of five grandchildren.
Edouard Bouda
Chargé d’Affaires a.i.
Embassy of Burkina Faso in Washington, D.C.
I would like, in opening my remarks, to express the pride of the Embassy of Burkina Faso in Washington, D.C., in this fortunate meeting with the African Diaspora Development Institute (ADDI). I can’t talk about this meeting without acknowledging the key role played by Lazare Ki-Zerbo, the son of this illustrious pan-African defender, Joseph KI- ZERBO. Indeed, it was through Lazare Ki-Zerbo, on the occasion of an award granted to him by ADDI for his contribution to the African cause, that the Embassy got acquainted with ADDI, an organization of sons and daughters of Africa who want to make their contribution to the development of the motherland.
The “Welcome Home to Burkina Faso” initiative is a dynamic interaction between the African diaspora and the Government of Burkina Faso to create a synergy of actions aimed at encouraging its diaspora to return to Africa with a view to developing business opportunities in Africa, shaping endogenous and sustainable economic development, and building a prosperous and free society. The Sons and Daughters of Africa can develop Africa. This is unquestionable.
I’d like to take this opportunity to reiterate my gratitude to Dr. Arikana and her wonderful ADDI team for choosing our country, the Land of Upright People, a land of hospitality and fraternity.
I have the secret hope that this trip of discovery in Burkina Faso will not only create ripples, but will also be a proof, if still needed, that Burkina Faso is a destination not to be missed.
On this note, I welcome my African brothers and sisters to Burkina Faso to discover its rich culture during the 20th edition of the National Cultural Week (Semaine Nationale de la Culture (SNC)) taking place in Bobo Dioulasso, the economic capital of Burkina Faso, and to explore the great business opportunities offered by the country of His Excellency, Captain Ibrahim TRAORE.
Mr. Jean Baptiste Gagré
Counselor of Burkina Faso in Washington, D.C., in charge of partnerships, Commercial and Financial Affairs
Message Coming Soon…
Phillip Springer
ADDI CEO
Damian Cook
ADDI Vice President
Mr. Benson Kasue
Chief Finance Officer/Chief Accountant/Secretary Director Trade & Investment
Dr. Stella Jefferies
ADDI DMV Chair
Dr. Olayinka Creighton-Randall
VP (North America)/Executive Administrator
Abdoul Aziz Konfé
Sec. of Culture & Education, Embassy of Burkina Faso
Mrs. Sylvia Litana Ezozo
Global Director of Chapter Formations
Servace Maryse Dabou
Press & Comm. Officer, Embassy of Burkina Faso, DC
Agrippa Ezozo
ADDI HR Director
Judith Fang
Director, Tourism and TravelThe 20th National Cultural Week (SNC)
Celebration in Bobo Dioulasso (Burkina Faso 2023)
Burkina Faso, Land of the Upright People is situated in West Africa, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, diverse ethnic groups, and vibrant arts scene. Despite facing challenges, the country has demonstrated resilience and a commitment to progress, making it an ideal setting for discussions on untapped potential and growth opportunities.
Join Us for the 21st SNC 2024
We extend a heartfelt invitation to all children of Africa to participate in this transformative event, as their insights and contributions are pivotal in shaping the future of the continent. This conference serves as a platform for diverse voices to converge, exchange ideas, and drive impactful change.
Attend Cultural Event for Investment Opportunities
The Welcome Home Burkina Faso Voyage, hosted by ADDI departs on April 26th, 2024, and returns on May 9th, 2024. The traveling group will partake in cultural activities during the initial days of the journey. The final segment of the trip includes a discussion with high-level ministers and members of the business community about investment opportunities in Burkina Faso.
Attend Investment Event Only
The Burkina Faso Investment segment of the trip commences in Bobo Dioulasso. Amidst the cultural festival, ministers will be present, providing an opportunity for interaction. The primary investment discussions and activities start on May 4th and unfold in Ouagadougou, featuring investment-focused events and dialogues with different ministries.
Itinerary
Click on a date to view scheduled events for that day.
| Time | Itinerary | Location |
| Arrival of ADDI Delegates | Ouagadougou | |
| Travel to Bobo Dioulasso | Bobo Dioulasso |
| Time | Itinerary | Location |
| 3:00 PM | Official Opening of SNC | Sangoule Lamizana Stadium |
| 8:00PM | Meeting with H.E. the Minister of Foreign Affairs | Hotel/House of Culture/Bobo |
| Time | Itinerary | Location |
| 7:10 AM | Visit to the village of Koro | Koro |
| 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Visit to the Guinguette Reiver | Guinguette site |
| 8:00 PM | Meeting with the Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism | House of Culture |
| 9:00 PM | Participation in GPNAL Performances | Bobo House of Culture |
| Time | Itinerary | Location |
| 10:00 AM | Meeting with Bobo Dioulasso Chamber of Commerce | Chamber of Commerce |
| 1:00 PM | Visit to SNC Village | SNC Headquarters |
| 4:00 PM | Excursion to the Community Village | Community Village Site |
| Time | Itinerary | Location |
| 10:00 AM | Participation in SNC B-to-B Meetings | House of Culture |
| 3:00 PM | Visit SOFITEX/BRAKINA | |
| 10:00 PM | Participation in GPNAL Performances | House of Culture |
| Time | Itinerary | Location |
| 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Health Fair | Bobo Dioulasso |
| Time | Itinerary | Location |
| 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Trade Exhibit Halls Open/Participate in other National Culture Week Activities | Bobo |
| Time | Itinerary | Location |
| 9:00 AM | Departure from Bobo Dioulasso | Bobo Dioulasso |
| 3:00 PM | Arrival in Ouagadougou | Ouagadougou |
| Time | Itinerary | Location |
| 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Tour of Ouagadougou | Ouagadougou |
| 7:00 PM | Welcome Dinner | Ouagadougou |
| Time | Itinerary | Location |
| 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Health Fair | Ouagadougou |
| Time | Itinerary | Location |
| 10:00 AM | Meeting with the Prime Minister | Prime Minister’s Office |
| Meeting with the Head of State | Prime Minister’s Office | |
| Meetings with members of Government | ||
| Meeting with the Employers’ Association and the Chamber of Commerce Burkina Faso | Ouagadougou |
| Time | Itinerary | Location |
| 10:00 AM | Opening of Diaspora Investment Summit in Ouagadougou | Ouagadougou |
| 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Statements/Speeches by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Health, Minister of Trade, Minister of Agriculture, National Chamber of Commerce, other dignitaries, ADDI Officials etc | Ouagadougou |
| 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Trade Exhibits halls open in the Afternoon/Bilateral meetings with Ministries of Health, Trade and Agriculture | Ouagadougou |
| 7:00 PM | Youth Empowerment Event | Ouagadougou |
| Time | Itinerary | Location |
| 10:00 AM | Speeches by Ministers of Mines, Education and Tourism | Ouagadougou |
| 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Trade Exhibits halls open in the Afternoon/Bilateral Meetings with Ministries of Mines, Education and Tourism | Ouagadougou |
| 3:00 PM | Visit the Laongo Site | Ziniare |
| Time | Itinerary | Location |
| 10:00 AM | Depart Burkina Faso | Ouagadougou |
African Diaspora Development Institute, an Institute designed to be the home for all African Diaspora. Africa defines African Diaspora as all people of African Descent living outside Africa.
ADDI is a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to driving sustainable development across the African continent. ADDI was founded by H.E Ambassador Arikana Chihombori- Quao (MD). Our mission is to leverage the potential of the African diaspora to foster economic growth, social progress, and cultural exchange, thereby creating a lasting impact in the region in efforts to create the Africa “we” want.
The mission is further defined in threefold:
- To promote unity amongst the African Diaspora and to encourage them to participate in the development of Africa
- To educate the African Diaspora about Investment opportunities in Africa
- To promote the African Continental Free Trade Area to the African Diaspora
Mother Africa is calling her children home!!!
HE, Ambassador Arikana Chihombori-Quao, MD, FAAFP
Burkina Faso
The significance of culture in Burkina Faso’s prosperity lies in its rich heritage and traditions that contribute to the country’s economic growth and development. Burkina Faso is known for its vibrant cultural diversity, including its music, dance, art, and craftsmanship. These cultural expressions not only attract tourists but also serve as a source of income for local communities.
Burkina Faso’s cultural richness is a key driver of its prosperity, attracting tourism, fostering economic growth, and creating investment opportunities in various sectors of the economy.
ADDI Burkina Faso Trip Details
The significance of culture in Burkina Faso’s prosperity lies in its rich heritage and traditions that contribute to the country’s economic growth and development. Burkina Faso is known for its vibrant cultural diversity, including its music, dance, art, and craftsmanship. These cultural expressions not only attract tourists but also serve as a source of income for local communities.
Burkina Faso’s cultural richness is a key driver of its prosperity, attracting tourism, fostering economic growth, and creating investment opportunities in various sectors of the economy.
Choice of Ouagadougou as Host City:
ADDI has chosen Ouagadougou as the host city due to its strategic position as a hub for economic and cultural exchange. The city’s historical significance, vibrant culture, and commitment to progress make it an ideal location for convening global leaders, experts, and visionaries to explore and harness untapped potential in Burkina Faso. The event will be held from April 27th – May 4th, 2024 for the Cultural Summit and May 5-9th 2024 for the Diaspora Investment Summit.
The conference anticipates the presence of over 200 African Diaspora members from the United States, Europe, the Caribbean, and other parts of the world. Additionally, we expect esteemed ministers representing various sectors including trade, investment, tourism, infrastructure, energy, healthcare, education, and agriculture. Furthermore, we are honored to expect the President of Burkina Faso to deliver the opening remarks, setting the tone for engaging discussions and collaboration.
Conference Goals:
- Showcase investment opportunities in Burkina Faso and across Africa, thereby promoting sustainable economic growth and development.
- Foster discussions and partnerships to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship across key sectors, paving the way for inclusive and sustainable development.
- Create a platform for networking and collaboration among global leaders, investors, and stakeholders, aiming to drive impactful change and progress.
Why should you attend – Opportunities in Key Sectors:
- Trade and Investment: Burkina Faso offers a conducive environment for trade and investment, presenting a wealth of opportunities across diverse industries. Tourism: The country’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty provide promising prospects for sustainable tourism development and investment.
- Tourism: The country’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty provide promising prospects for sustainable tourism development and investment.
- Infrastructure: There is a pressing need for infrastructure development, offering opportunities for investment in transportation, telecommunications, and urban development
- Energy: Burkina Faso presents opportunities in renewable energy and electrification, providing a foundation for sustainable energy solutions and development5. Healthcare and Education: Opportunities exist for investment in healthcare facilities, medical technology, and educational infrastructure to enhance human capital and well-being.
- Agriculture: The fertile land and favorable climate in Burkina Faso create opportunities for investment in agribusiness, food processing, and agricultural technology.
Expected Outcomes
- Encourage partnerships and collaborations for sustainable development projects in Burkina Faso
- Increased awareness and support for investment opportunities, leading to tangible initiatives and projects in key sectors.
- Enhanced networking and knowledge exchange, fostering sustainable growth and development across the continent.
We invite you to invest in Burkina Faso and challenge the global community to support the nation’s development under new leadership. Together, let us seize the untapped potential, drive sustainable growth, and create a prosperous future for the people of Burkina Faso.
