A wave of change is sweeping the African continent. New, bold leaders are starting to stand up to colonial powers to reclaim the rights of their people. This new shift comes at a time when the African continent is poised to become the only continent with a growing population—and also the one with the most vibrant set of young people. Perhaps the best example of this development is what is going on in Burkina Faso. There are lessons from Burkina Faso’s new leader that the rest of Africa can take note of.
Burkina Faso, under its new leadership, has made bold moves to reclaim sovereignty, resist foreign dominance, and prioritize the welfare of its people. These decisions haven’t gone unnoticed. From Dakar to Dar es Salaam, many are watching and asking: What can the rest of Africa learn from Burkina Faso?
Young Africans from around the world are joining forces to support this progressive new leader. From Jamaica to the United States, people have been protesting and flooding social media in support of Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso’s young new leader.
The lessons go far beyond political rhetoric. They touch on resource control, self-reliance, and a revived commitment to Pan-African ideals. While Burkina Faso’s approach won’t look the same in every nation, the principles behind its new direction offer valuable insights.
Here are 10 powerful lessons Africa can learn from Burkina Faso’s new leadership.
1. Reclaim Natural Resources for National Benefit
One of the first things Ibrahim Traoré did when he took office in September 2022 was to initiate the process of reclaiming control over Burkina Faso’s resources. He came to power through a military coup, a response to political instability and the urgent need for change. In hindsight, this has proven to be one of the most significant and strategic decisions of his leadership.
Not only does this move protect the interests of Burkina Faso’s people, but it also offers a powerful lesson for the rest of the African continent.
Burkina Faso’s leadership has made its position clear: the country’s gold, land, and minerals must serve the people—not foreign corporations. This bold stance has led to the reassessment of long-standing contracts that once handed control over to external interests.
Many African nations remain rich in natural resources but poor in returns. Ghana, Nigeria, the DRC, and others face similar struggles with oil, gold, and cobalt. Reclaiming resource control doesn’t mean shutting the world out—it means renegotiating on terms that prioritize national interest and long-term sustainability.
2. Invest Heavily in Education That Uplifts
Like Kwame Nkrumah, Ibrahim Traoré believes that an educated nation is key to national development. As a result, he has emphasized growth through various educational initiatives. One of the boldest moves made by this young leader was to make education free for all—ranging from kindergarten starters to mature university students.
Burkina Faso is prioritizing education as a tool for liberation. And it goes beyond formal schooling. Civic education—teaching people to understand their rights, their history, and their role in shaping the nation—is also central to the agenda.
For Africa to rise, education must go beyond exam results. It must cultivate thinkers, builders, and patriots. Countries like Kenya and South Africa have made commendable progress, but many others still underinvest in education or treat it as a donor-dependent sector.
When it comes to lessons from Burkina Faso’s new leadership, Africa can learn that education grounded in cultural pride and practical knowledge lays the foundation for strong, self-aware citizens.
3. Create Policies That Encourage Self-Reliance
Past pioneers like Marcus Garvey understood that Africa must become self-reliant. As a people, we must learn to provide for ourselves—especially given the vast wealth of resources beneath our feet. by doing this, we will be bold like the black star, a symbol of hope and change.
Rather than waiting for foreign aid or investment, Burkina Faso is turning inward. Its leadership is encouraging local production, sustainable food systems, and the use of indigenous knowledge to solve pressing challenges.
This model of economic self-reliance is worth studying. Countries like Rwanda have implemented similar strategies, while Ethiopia has pushed policy reforms to stimulate local manufacturing. These efforts show that self-reliance begins with political will.
Africa must learn that true sovereignty means building from within—not outsourcing our dreams or our decisions.
4. Make Use of What You Have
Burkina Faso is not among Africa’s wealthiest nations, but its leadership isn’t using that as an excuse. They are working with the resources they have and proving that mindset can be more powerful than money. Roads are being constructed, factories built, and agriculture strengthened—all on limited resources. Imagine if other African nations adopted this strategy. Where would we be ten years from now?
In many countries, leaders blame a lack of funding for delayed reforms. But real change often begins with intention—followed by decisive local action. Africa is not short on talent or creativity; what’s often missing is the courage to act, even when conditions aren’t perfect.
The lesson here is clear: start small, but start strong.
5. Limit Western Influence
It has become increasingly clear that Western powers are not supportive of Africa’s true growth. History offers enough evidence. After centuries of oppression, colonization, and exploitation, it is evident that the West has not stood with Africa.
Ibrahim Traoré has taken a strategic approach when it comes to engagement with Western powers. One of the most discussed decisions by Burkina Faso’s leadership has been its move to distance itself from former colonial institutions. In recent years, the country has ended military agreements and challenged long-standing diplomatic dependencies—particularly with nations like France.
One of the most powerful steps Africa can take is to redefine its external relationships and prioritize the welfare of its people. The continent continues to suffer under lopsided partnerships and foreign policy interference. Whether through military presence or economic conditions, Africa must ask: who truly benefits?
Among the key lessons from Burkina Faso’s new leadership is the need to break free from those who contributed to our nations’ downfall in the first place.
Burkina Faso is signaling that future partnerships must be built on mutual respect and equality. That is a position every African nation can adopt—unapologetically.
6. Strengthen Regional Alliances
Burkina Faso has shown that unity is strength. From visionaries like Kwame Nkrumah to Gaddafi, African leaders have long championed the dream of a united Africa.
In recent times, Burkina Faso has embraced this ideal by forging stronger alliances with neighboring countries like Mali and Niger. Together, they are exploring shared approaches to security, resource management, and trade—strategies rooted in African priorities, not foreign agendas.
One of the key lessons from Burkina Faso’s new leader is that regional unity isn’t just symbolic—it’s strategic. Africa is more powerful when its regions collaborate with purpose. While ECOWAS and the African Union provide the necessary frameworks, progress has too often been slow or fragmented.
If more African nations followed Burkina Faso’s example by investing in genuine regional cooperation, the continent could shift from dependency to interdependence—fostering strength through solidarity.
7. Prioritize National Security Through Internal Capacity
Every nation must learn to defend itself—especially considering the painful lessons of Africa’s past. One of the main reasons the continent was so easily exploited and devastated was its inability to protect its people and its resources.
A key example from the lessons from Burkina Faso’s new leader is the country’s renewed focus on national defense. Under Ibrahim Traoré’s leadership, Burkina Faso is rebuilding its military strength and reducing dependence on foreign defense forces. This strategic move comes at a time when many African nations are vulnerable to both internal unrest and regional conflict.
Instead of outsourcing security, Burkina Faso is empowering its own forces and involving communities in peacebuilding efforts. For African nations in regions like the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, and the Great Lakes, this approach underscores an essential truth: true and lasting security begins at home. External support may offer temporary help, but sustainable peace is built through strong, trusted domestic institutions.
8. Rebuild Trust Between Government and People
Across Africa, there is widespread mistrust in political leadership. Corruption, neglect, and broken promises have created a rift between leaders and citizens. Burkina Faso’s current leadership is actively working to close this divide. By engaging directly with the public, addressing grassroots concerns, and reducing visible excess in government, they are setting a tone of humility and accountability.
Though the process is still in progress, the message from lessons from Burkina Faso’s new leader is clear: when people feel heard and respected, governance improves. Africa needs leaders who serve with integrity, not from a distance or with a sense of privilege. Ibrahim Traoré has made it abundantly clear that any political figure who indulges in corruption will face strict penalties. This measure aims to protect the country from internal corruption and restore the people’s trust in their government.
9. Streamline Government and Cut Waste
Burkina Faso is also addressing inefficiency and excessive spending in public institutions. The leadership has made moves to eliminate unnecessary roles, reduce government luxury, and redirect funds to public services.
Many African governments are bloated and bureaucratic, consuming resources that never reach the people. Streamlining government functions doesn’t just save money—it increases transparency and speeds up service delivery.
From procurement reform to digital systems, Africa can take this lesson and build smarter, leaner, more effective public sectors.
10. Decolonize National Identity
Finally, Burkina Faso is championing cultural renewal. There is a noticeable return to indigenous symbols, African languages, and traditional systems of knowledge and leadership. For instance, judges in Burkina Faso now wear traditional attire in courthouses instead of colonial wigs.
This is not about nostalgia; it’s about building a national identity rooted in local heritage rather than colonial frameworks. Across Africa, many countries still teach, govern, and organize based on imported systems that often disregard local values and traditions.
One of the key lessons from Burkina Faso’s new leader is the importance of embracing what is truly ours—language, land, history, and spiritual legacy. By doing so, nations can shape their future in a way that reflects their authentic identity, not a borrowed past.
Final Thoughts
There are lessons from Burkina Faso’s new leader that can inspire Africa to rise above colonial establishments. The country’s leadership may be controversial to some, but what’s clear is this: it’s shifting the conversation. Sovereignty, self-reliance, and Pan-African strength are back on the table—not just as slogans, but as strategic goals.
Africa is not one-size-fits-all. What works in Ouagadougou might not work in Accra or Nairobi. Still, the values driving this change—boldness, vision, and a commitment to the people—are universal.
These ten lessons from Burkina Faso’s new leadership offer more than a model. They offer a mirror. One that challenges African nations to think critically, act boldly, and lead with the continent in mind.
The world is watching. More importantly, Africans are watching each other. And it’s time we take notes—not just from the West, but from one another.
