On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, Joseph Ki-Zerbo University hosted the unique doctoral thesis defense in African History by Éric Zongo. The candidate brilliantly defended his work before an international jury, obtaining the distinction "very honorable".
Entitled "Partnerships for development in Africa: the case of Burkina Faso with the states of the Indo-Pacific Asia (Japan, China and India) 1993-2022", this research is part of a dynamic analysis of international cooperation and its impact on the development of Burkina Faso.
Before a jury of five members gathered at the Doctoral School of Letters, Human Sciences and Communication (ED/LE.SH.CO), the candidate presented an in-depth study aimed at tracing, from a historical perspective, the contribution of Japan, China and India to the socio-economic development of the country.
“ It is an honor for me to be awarded a doctorate. In this study, we examined, from a historical perspective, the contribution of these three countries to the development of Burkina Faso ,” said Eric Zongo after his defense.
The 460-page document, the result of several years of research, highlights the diversification of Burkina Faso's partners as a strategic lever for its development. The findings show that each of these countries intervenes in specific sectors.
" In cooperation, each country contributes in its own way: Japan in educational infrastructure and humanitarian aid, China in health, security and industrialization, and India in vocational training ," the new doctor explained.
The jury praised the scientific quality of the work as well as its relevance in the current context of redefining international partnerships.
According to the chairman of the jury, Professor Yacouba Zerbo, "this thesis contributes to strengthening knowledge about the relations between Burkina Faso and its partners, particularly those in Asia."
Through this research, Éric Zongo sheds new light on the dynamics of South-South cooperation and their role in the economic and social transformation of Burkina Faso.