CNPB, ambitious and optimistic

5 and 6 November a mission took place to Burkina Faso. Already in 2010 and 2011 DECP carried out several workshops and training sessions for the staff of the employers’ organisation (CNPB, Conseil National du Patronat Burkinabé). Now, both the General Secretary Mrs Philomène YAMEOGO and the DECP country manager feel the need to identify strategic issues for sustainable cooperation. A programme was prepared by the CNPB staff which allowed the country manager to meet with the Secretary General of the Ministry of Employment and his colleague of the Ministry of Education. In addition, a visit was payed to the local programme manager of a cooperation between Switzerland and Burkina Faso in the field of professional education. New initiatives are prepared to bridge the gap between public vocational education and the changing needs of employers in several economic sectors. Most probably, DECP can add value to these projects in the next phase by exchanging knowledge and experience.

Unfortunately, last August the president of CNPB, Mr Birahima NACOULMA passed away. That is why recently new elections were organised by CNPB. This resulted in the appointment of the new president, Mr Appolinaire COMPAORE. During the two days visit of the DECP country manager, the first meeting took place of the new Board. This allowed Mr COMPAORE and the DECP country manager to meet and to exchange ideas for further cooperation. Mr COMPAORE demonstrated the major ambition to guide employers’ organisation CNPB into the future and strengthen its recruitment power, retention rate and lobbying and advocacy performance.

The staff of CNPB and the DECP country manager agreed upon several aspects of cooperation; at the West African regional level, this will be active participation in the development of a process of Social Dialogue, whereas at the country level support on developing a new newsletter format is needed. Another issue of reinforcing the employers’ organisation is to develop the provision of services to their members which offer high added value.

Both Mrs Philomène YAMEOGO, her staff and DECP are looking forward to cooperate at a structural basis.