Ouagadougou: The Cultural and Tourism Development Fund (FDCT) has selected 58 cultural and tourism projects to receive grants totaling 427 million FCFA as part of the Program to Support the Development of Cultural Initiatives (PADIC). This decision follows a call for projects announced last August.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the selection was made from 159 shortlisted applications, with projects receiving funding ranging from 3,319,280 FCFA to 14,816,000 FCFA. The call for projects focused on three themes within culture and tourism: support for creating and promoting cultural products, upgrading cultural spaces, and promoting tourism.

Betamou Aymar Fidel Tamini, the Secretary General of the Ministry in charge of Culture, stated that the initiative aims to bolster the culture and tourism sector's contribution to economic recovery and job creation, particularly for young people and women. The initiative also seeks to promote peace and social cohesion. Tamini highlighted the government's commitment to making culture and tourism a national development pillar, aligning with President Ibrahim Traore's vision.

The Secretary General urged beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly, emphasizing the importance of aligning with development objectives. Fiohan Caryne Traore/Beni, the Director General of the FDCT, noted the high quality of the selected applications and announced a forthcoming training phase for participants to understand contract terms and financial management principles.

Ms. Traore/Beni also mentioned that the FDCT would closely monitor the projects to ensure their contribution to the cultural and tourism sector's growth in Burkina Faso. The initiative comprises a grant component of 427 million FCFA and a loan component of 600 million FCFA, supported by Swiss cooperation, totaling 1.027 billion FCFA for the sector.