Cotton Sector in Burkina: Sofitex Now Has a New Director

Sofitex has a new general director in the person of Bonossokoun Arsène Ghislain Somda, previously director of transport and logistics of the company. Appointed by the Council of Ministers on Wednesday March 6th, 2024, he replaces Boubacar Seye in this position, authorized to assert his retirement rights. The latter will have spent more than fourteen months at the head of this cotton company since he was installed there on December 8th, 2022.

A rural development technical engineer, the new general director is no stranger to the company. In more than 30 years of career at Sofitex, he has held several positions within the company, namely: cotton correspondent in the departments of N’Dorola and Satiri, head of the cotton zone of Kénédougou, head of the cotton region of Houndé and Banfora, head of the transport infrastructure department at the transport and logistics department of Sofitex, head of the internal transport and logistics department and director of transport and logistics of the company. This therefore means that the cotton sector in general and that of Sofitex in particular, have no secrets for the new general director.

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A pure product of Sofitex, he thus becomes the third internal executive to have been appointed to head the company

This, after Jonas Bayoulou and Boubacar Seye. By promising to follow the dynamic of his predecessors, Arsène Ghislain Somda made a commitment to work for the influence of the cotton sector. He thus called on all producers and his collaborators to close ranks around the challenge of producing white gold. He also announced that his mandate will be guided by Sofitex’s 2024-2028 strategic plan, by concentrating actions around two main strategic axes: increasing cotton production and strengthening company governance.

“Ensuring a production of 450,000 tonnes of seed cotton for the upcoming campaign will be our first project. We will also work for good governance within the company and continue the work of rejuvenating staff within Sofitex. We will also continue the actions to deploy the integrated financial flow management software package, to strengthen the company’s financial governance. I am therefore aware of the challenges that await us, but I am convinced that thanks to our collective determination and team spirit, we will overcome every obstacle on our path,” he said.

The new director is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected and motivated to give their best. Considering his career path, he is, according to his colleagues, the ideal profile to meet the current challenges facing the company.

Pay tribute to the outgoing director of Sofitex for the work done

According to the deputy general director of Sofitex, Yacouba Paré, this handover ceremony reveals a double meaning. In addition to consecrating the official installation of Mr. Somda in his functions, it also provides the opportunity to recognize the merits of “a man who fully invested himself during his professional career and during his mandate as general manager in the life of Sofitex”.

Arriving at the head of Sofitex in a context where the cotton sector was facing difficulties of several kinds, Boubacar Seye spared no effort in taking the bull by the horns and making his contribution. It is under his leadership that Sofitex will lead the 2023-2024 cotton campaign, notably with a reduction in the State subsidy to the cotton sector, an unprecedented increase in the cost of inputs, but with a floor price per kilogram of cotton in rise.

Arsène Ghislain Somda has made a commitment to work for the influence of the cotton sector

The same one who was baptized “Cotton VDP” by the governor of the Hauts-Bassins region, said he was leaving with the feeling of a mission accomplished, because having accomplished as best he could the task that had been assigned to him. assigned.

“I leave satisfied with the hope that the mission entrusted to us has been fulfilled, leaving it to my successor to continue with what still remains to be perfected. We also set ourselves the objective of working to increase cotton production, implementing the integrated financial flow management software within the company and renewing staff. As for cotton production, notwithstanding the difficult security conditions, we can say that the results achieved are satisfactory even if we have not achieved the initial objectives. As for the financial flow management software package, work is advanced and we are in the finalization phase. As for staff renewal, the tests took place and recruitment also, and recruitment continues,” underlined Boubacar Seye.

The deputy director general, Yacouba Paré did not lack words to praise the outgoing CEO of Sofitex and drew up an assessment deemed satisfactory

“The outgoing director has worked to create conditions conducive to commitment and a job well done. Many concerns of workers who were suffering, such as the working conditions of advisory support agents, quickly found solutions, thus allowing their commitment to work. Mr. Seye organized various activities including the first edition of the Night of Excellence, dedicated to SOFITEX’s advisory support systems. He managed to move the lines in such a short time,” he rejoiced.

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Industrial Development, Trade, Crafts and Small and Medium Enterprises, Fidèle Ilboudo, also congratulated the new director and urged him to work hard. Also, the new DG is invited to focus on essential priorities, including good governance and improving cotton production. The ceremony was attended by directors, heads of department as well as social partners of Sofitex.

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(Featured image by jdblack via Pixabay)

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First published in le faso.net. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

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