Burkina Faso: The Higher Institute of Human Security and Maison Sport seal a partnership to boost the sports sector

The Higher Institute for Human Security (ISSH) and Maison Sport have formalized a strategic partnership aimed at structuring sports-related professions, strengthening certified training, and promoting human security through sporting activity. This union of vision and expertise, developed over more than a year ago, was sealed this Saturday, November 15, 2025, in Ouagadougou.

The Higher Institute for Human Security (ISSH) and Maison Sport, each in its respective field, are positioned as two major players in a world undergoing transformation. For over a decade, ISSH has been working to build an environment where human beings are placed at the heart of solutions for peace, sustainable development, and security. The institute distinguishes itself through its comprehensive range of programs, from bachelor’s to master’s degrees, offered in both initial and continuing education formats, and welcoming students from more than a dozen countries. Its humanitarian action program trains new professionals each year, capable of addressing complex issues according to international standards and with a strong humanitarian vision. « We were convinced that we had to start something new, something risky, but profoundly beneficial to humanity, » recalled Dr. Zacharia Tiémtoré, Chairman of the Board, reflecting on the institute’s early years.

“Investing in people remains the strongest bet for sustainably transforming a nation,” says Dr. Zacharia Tiémtoré, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ISSH.

Maison Sport, for its part, is a Burkinabè company created in 2021 at the initiative of champion Hugues Fabrice Zango. With a strategy designed for 2030, it is involved in organizing sporting events, providing certified training in sports professions, and offering talent management consulting. For Hugues Fabrice Zango, the creation of Maison Sport addresses a clear need: to structure a sports ecosystem still marked by informality and professional shortcomings.

“You can be talented and not be identified. Or be identified and not succeed in developing your potential. We want to break this cycle,” the Burkinabè athlete explains. Maison Sport aims to offer a new generation of accessible, hybrid training programs designed for international employability.

 

“We want to build an African sport that reveals talent rather than letting it be lost in obstacles,” said Hugues Fabrice Zango, CEO of Maison Sport.

It is in this context, and after numerous meetings initiated in 2021, that the two institutions decided to formalize their collaboration. The convergence between ISSH’s humanist vision and Maison Sport’s sporting ambition has become increasingly clear over the years.

“Pooling our energies, ideas, and ambitions allows us to build something useful for Burkina Faso, for Africa, and for the world,” explained Dr. Zacharia Tiémtoré. He described today’s signing as a “milestone victory,” the result of a long process of observation, reflection, and mutual development.

For Hugues Fabrice Zango, this partnership is not a change of direction, but a logical continuation of his commitment to transmitting and contributing to the development of sport. “After the tracks, there is a duty to pass on the knowledge.” « Through training and event organization, we want to provide solutions to the shortcomings that still hold back many talents, » explained the bronze medalist at the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games.

ISSH and Maison Sport have formalized their partnership, ushering in a new era for training and sport in Burkina Faso.

The first phase of the partnership will begin in 2025 with the launch of certified training programs in sports coaching and physical preparation, as well as masterclasses led by national and international experts. The announced topics, such as advanced strength training and sports journalism analysis, address a growing demand for professionalization in the field. For both organizations, the partnership also aims to contribute to improving human safety through sport, by promoting health prevention, physical activity, and social development. “When we talk about human safety, health is fundamental. And prevention, through sport, is an essential tool,” emphasizes Dr. Zacharia Tiémtoré.

The 1st International African Sports Fair in Sight

The partnership will also extend to event planning, with a flagship project: the organization, in April 2026, of the first International African Sports Fair (FISA). The event, to be held in Ouagadougou, aims to become a major continental gathering dedicated to African sport in all its dimensions. It will bring together federations, institutions, private stakeholders, sports journalists, athletes, and international partners for conferences, exhibitions, professional meetings, competitions, and awards ceremonies.

ISSH students are witnessing a partnership designed to strengthen their training and career prospects.

“We want to offer a space where all stakeholders in African sport can come together, exchange ideas, and move in the same direction,” explains Hugues Fabrice Zango.

Beyond the planned activities, ISSH and Maison Sport aim to promote a culture of active participation. According to Dr. Zacharia Tiémtoré, offering everything for free doesn’t always encourage the development of initiatives. “Everyone must contribute something, according to their means. Those without money can contribute in other ways. The important thing is to participate in the collective effort.” This philosophy, already implemented at ISSH, reflects a desire to empower beneficiaries and value their work.

With this partnership, the two institutions affirm their ambition to sustainably transform the sporting and educational landscape of Burkina Faso. By combining academic expertise, innovative teaching methods, international sporting experience, and a strategic vision, they intend to create an ecosystem where young people will find solid training, professional opportunities, and quality mentorship. “We are laying the first stone. The coming years will reveal the impact of what we have started today,” concluded Dr. Zacharia Tiémtoré, convinced of the potential of this partnership to sustainably transform the sporting and educational landscape.

Anita Mireille Zongo (intern)
Lefaso.net