Ouagadougou: The Housing Centre of Excellence (CEH) has unveiled its strategic roadmap following a three-day international seminar in Ouagadougou. The event, spanning April 27 to 29 and themed 'Anchoring the Center of Excellence for Housing in a sustainable institutional, partnership and territorial dynamic', concluded with the appointment of Moussa Bougma as the new director and the adoption of pivotal recommendations to guide the institution's future.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the seminar, organized by Joseph Ki-Zerbo University (UJKZ), focused on several strategic axes, enabling the formulation of guidelines concerning capacity building, data production and dissemination, applied research, and advisory support. Moussa Bougma, the newly installed director of CEH, highlighted these areas as crucial for the institution's roadmap.
In terms of capacity building, participants emphasized the necessity for developing training tailored to the specific needs of housing stakeholders, integrating interdisciplinary approaches, and forging partnerships with institutions within the WAEMU area. Recommendations also included creating an advisory council of professionals and mapping stakeholders to better understand the sector's landscape.
For data production, the seminar underscored the need for CEH to secure a prominent institutional position to enhance information access, visibility, and partnerships with data collection bodies. Priorities also include improving investigative tools and ensuring data confidentiality.
Research efforts were directed towards fostering multidisciplinary programs, disseminating findings in formats accessible to decision-makers, and advocating for participatory research. Participants recommended establishing a regional housing observatory and bolstering scientific cooperation among WAEMU member countries.
Advisory support recommendations centered on enhancing field activities, structuring networks of local actors, and improving the integration of studies into decision-making processes. Moussa Bougma praised the quality of the work, stating these recommendations will form the foundation for an operational action plan.
Koko Zebeto, responsible for monitoring and evaluation at the Regional Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Cities in Africa (CERViDA), emphasized that these guidelines aim to promote affordable, accessible, and environmentally friendly housing. This includes incorporating ecological materials and ensuring better thermal comfort for the population.
Professor Adama Sanou, Vice-President in charge of research and university cooperation (RCU) at UJKZ, reaffirmed the university's commitment to supporting CEH's missions. This commitment seeks to improve housing and land-use planning management across the sub-region.