Ouahigouya: The President of the Sidlawende cooperative, Binta Savadogo, known as a “Star of Faso,” is on a mission to establish the first infant flour processing unit in Ouahigouya, Yaadga region. Her journey highlights a relentless pursuit to promote local products through innovative investment.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Binta Savadogo, originally from the Centre region and born in Ouagadougou, has built a notable career upon leaving school after the 4th grade at Yadega high school. She initially focused on the collection, drying, preservation, and sale of potatoes, later transitioning to cereal processing. Her cooperative now boasts nearly 28 product ranges, some certified, including local cereals and tubers.
Despite facing challenges, Savadogo turned these into opportunities by engaging in training to enhance her skills. She holds leadership roles in several associations, including the presidency of the regional cooperative “Nerwaya” and membership in the executive board of Burkina Faso’s corn sector (FIAF). Her training spans infant flour production, hygiene practices, and international trade techniques.
These efforts have earned her various accolades, including certificates from international fairs like SIAO, a prize for the best innovative product in 2016 in Benin, and the “Kuuri d’or” in agriculture in 2025. Her contributions to the agri-food sector have also been recognized by Leonard Bernard Ouedraogo University and the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights.
In 2025, Binta Savadogo was honored as a “Star of Faso” by the Ministry of Human Rights, Justice, and Relations with Institutions. She expressed gratitude for this recognition, dedicating it to the Sidlawende cooperative members, regional authorities, and consumers.
As part of the “Consommons burkinabe” initiative, Savadogo encourages the Yaadga region and Burkina Faso to adopt new dietary habits to combat nutritional deficiencies. Her future vision includes creating a modern industrial agri-food processing unit in Yaadga, aiming to generate a thousand jobs and opportunities for students from Naaba Kango regional vocational high school.
Mrs. Binta expresses optimism about the national leadership’s commitment to local processing as a development pillar, a sentiment aligned with the policy of President Ibrahim Traore and his government, emphasizing the importance of local products and techniques.