• Russia will launch a pilot engineering training program in Burkina Faso by end-2025, targeting the Sahel region.

• The initiative focuses on nuclear, oil, gas, and mining sectors, aiming to build local technical expertise.

• The program is part of Russia’s broader Africa cooperation strategy in raw materials and industrial development.

Russia plans to train engineers in Burkina Faso as part of a pilot program designed to strengthen local technical capacities across the Sahel region. The announcement came from Russian Deputy Energy Minister Roman Marshavin during the Russia–Africa Raw Materials Dialogue held in Saint Petersburg from October 29 to November 1, 2025.

The program, slated to begin in Burkina Faso before expanding to neighboring countries, will focus on nuclear, oil, gas, and mining engineering, equipping local professionals to operate and improve modern technologies in these industries.

“Russia and African countries have significant resource potential. Russian companies possess the technological capabilities to meet Africa’s growing industrial and energy needs,” Marshavin said, noting strong interest from other African partners.

Tatiana Dovgalenko, director of the Russia-Africa partnership department at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that the program aligns with Russia’s broader cooperation strategy on raw materials and economic development. She highlighted Africa’s demographic advantage, with over 1.5 billion people, more than half under 20, as critical for industrial sovereignty.

UNESCO reports underscore the urgency of expanding STEM education in Africa. According to a 2023 report, the continent needs approximately 23 million additional STEM graduates by 2030 to meet projected demands in engineering, health, and IT.

This article was initially published in French by Félicien Houindo Lokossou

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum