Banfora:The Burkinabe Fund for Economic and Social Development (FBDES) held a meeting in Banfora to engage with cultural and tourism stakeholders from the Tannounyan region. This meeting focused on the second phase of the Support Program for the Development of Cultural Initiatives (PADIC).
According to Burkina Information Agency, the session was led by the Regional Director of Communication, Culture and Arts of Tannounyan and included the Provincial Director of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, members of the FBDES mission "Tongo," heads of services, and various cultural and tourism promoters.
The primary goal was to inform participants about the opportunities available in the second phase of the PADIC program, highlight financing mechanisms, and outline project selection criteria. The initiative aims to encourage Burkinabe businesses, associations, cooperatives, and economic interest groups to take greater ownership of the program.
The regional director emphasized that the second phase of PADIC follows a successful first phase, which showcased the potential of creative industries in job and wealth creation. This new phase is designed to be more ambitious and inclusive, with a focus on funding innovative cultural and tourism initiatives, especially those led by young people and women.
PADIC's approach seeks to stimulate the local economy and enhance resilience and social cohesion within communities, positioning culture and tourism as significant drivers of economic and social development. The meeting also highlighted available support for structuring projects, with FBDES "Tongo" and partners committed to overcoming financial barriers and providing technical assistance to project leaders.
The regional director urged stakeholders to propose realistic and forward-thinking initiatives, acknowledging the strategic support of Swiss Cooperation in the program's implementation. Through this engagement, FBDES aims to bring funding opportunities closer to stakeholders, fostering initiatives that contribute to the development of the Tannounyan region.