The Consul General of Burkina Faso in Lagos, Maxime Bengaly, paid a courtesy visit to IITA–CGIAR on 20 August to learn more about the institute’s work in agricultural development and explore opportunities for stronger cooperation between Burkina Faso and IITA-CGIAR. Bengaly, accompanied by members of his team, was received by IITA Deputy Director General, Corporate Services (DDG-CS), Hilde Koper-Limbourg, and the Head of the IITA Capacity Development Office, Zainatou Sore.
Consul General Bengaly explained that since assuming office, he had made it a priority to identify and appreciate the contributions of Burkinabè nationals and institutions that are making a positive impact in Nigeria. Having learned about IITA-CGIAR’s work, he decided to visit the institute, noting that agriculture is central to the President of Burkina Faso’s policies and priorities. “I discovered the extraordinary work IITA is doing, and I felt I should stop by to visit and appreciate what the institute is contributing to agriculture and development,” he said.
He also commended the Institute’s communication efforts in presenting a balanced and authentic picture of Africa. “I appreciate the way IITA communicates about Africa. You do not show a miserable Africa, nor do you show a utopic Africa. You show the reality of Africa, and this is important because part of our responsibility is to give a good image of Africa,” Bengaly said.
The Consul General highlighted opportunities to strengthen cultural, technical, and scientific cooperation, particularly around youth empowerment. He noted that many young people from Burkina Faso living in Saki and other parts of southwestern Nigeria could potentially contribute to agricultural development back home by sharing knowledge and experience gained in modern agriculture. “To empower youths, we have to facilitate the shift from traditional agriculture to modern agriculture,” he said, adding that Burkina Faso is developing agricultural and aquaculture infrastructure and needs to reintegrate young people into these sectors.
IITA DDG-CS, Koper-Limbourg, noted that IITA-CGIAR has been improving agriculture and supporting livelihoods across Africa for nearly 60 years, with its 60th anniversary coming up in July 2027. “IITA-CGIAR has also empowered young people over the years, helping them build businesses, livelihoods, and sustainable futures,” she said. She welcomed the prospect of renewed cooperation, noting that IITA already has a Memorandum of Understanding with Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Agriculture.
“We have an existing MoU with the Ministry of Agriculture of Burkina Faso, which we can revive as an offshoot of this meeting,” she said. “Our Partnerships for Delivery and Scaling approach, together with TAAT delivery structures, provides opportunities to ensure that research reaches the hands of farmers and creates real impact.”
The delegation presented IITA-CGIAR with a commemorative art plaque in recognition of the institute’s contributions to agricultural development and the future of African children. A second plaque was presented to Zainatou Sore, an IITA Burkinabè staff member, in recognition of her work at IITA impacting children in Africa. Bengaly expressed interest in returning to IITA in October with stakeholders from Oyo State to further explore areas of collaboration.