Pan-Africanism in Burkina Faso: A Mixed-Methods Exploration of Challenges and Opportunities in the Post-2002 Era

Pan-Africanism is a concept that seeks to unite Africans across borders for mutual benefit. In Burkina Faso, post- has seen significant socio-political changes and challenges in implementing pan-African initiatives. The research employed both qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys. A purposive sample was selected for interviews, while structured questionnaires were distributed to a representative population of Burkina Faso. Among the respondents who participated in the survey (n=500), 45% reported encountering language barriers as a significant challenge when implementing pan-African initiatives. The qualitative interviews revealed that perceived cultural differences and historical grievances hindered effective collaboration among pan-African groups. The findings suggest that while there are challenges, there is also potential for overcoming these with improved communication strategies and education about the benefits of pan-Africanism. Future research should focus on developing culturally sensitive educational programmes to address language barriers. Policy makers should consider fostering a shared understanding of pan-African values across different ethnic groups in Burkina Faso.