In a significant act of philanthropy, Burkinabe business magnate Inoussa Kanazoe has contributed to the establishment of a Youth Center in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. The donation was made during a ceremony on Saturday to commemorate the 2023 International Youth Day. The event was attended by Captain Ibrahim Traore, the transitional government’s president, who engaged in direct discussions with young individuals representing the nation’s 13 regions.
Addressing the theme, “Enhancing the Employability of Youth in Rural Areas and Combating Insecurity in Burkina Faso,” Kanazoe, a keynote speaker, exhorted Burkina Faso’s young populace to maximize their youthful vigor and dedicate effort during their formative years to achieve future success.
“Youth is but a moment, a phase in life. It is at this age that one shapes their personality, forges their destiny. We invite you to set goals, uphold values and ambitions, and above all, embrace learning. Success is the outcome of relentless work. Yes, work tirelessly. One cannot succeed in life without a fight. Your success depends more on you than on others. It is you, and you alone, who can chart your path, with others there to assist or accompany you. Believe in your potential, for we believe in you,” Kanazoe urged the youth.
He proceeded to donate 1,000 tonnes of CimFaso (Cimenterie du Faso) cement, valued at 110 million FCFA ($180,000), toward the development of the youth complex for the benefit of Burkina Faso’s National Youth Council (CNJ-BF). This multifaceted center will not only serve as the headquarters for CNJ-BF but also operate as a knowledge hub for young Burkinabes, equipping them with essential skills to bolster their economic contributions.
A substantial majority of Burkinian youth grapple with the challenges of unemployment, underemployment, and poverty.
Kanazoe ranks among the wealthiest individuals in Burkina Faso. He made his fortune through the import and export of foodstuffs, petrol, and cement. He is notably the owner of the cement company CimFaso.
