Faya François Bourouno

Introduction

Faya François Bourouno is a prominent Guinean political figure known for his expertise in development and his dedication to improving public policies, particularly in the areas of employment and professional training. Appointed as the Minister of Labor and Public Service in March 2024, his career reflects a remarkable rise built on strong skills and diverse international experience.

Background and Academic Education

Born on January 16, 1986, in Gueckedou, Guinea, Faya François Bourouno has built his career on a solid academic foundation. His educational journey began at the General Lansana Conté University of Sonfonia, where he earned a Master's degree in Economics and Finance between 2004 and 2009.

Understanding the value of continuous learning, he enhanced his profile with several prestigious certifications, demonstrating his commitment to expanding his expertise:

• A certification in Strategic Management of Public Projects, Public Procurement Management, Ethics, and Integrity in Public Procurement from the National School of Public Administration of Canada (ENAP) in 2022.
• Training under the International Program for Development Evaluation (PIFED) at ENAP in 2018.
• A training certificate in Public Policy Impact Assessment from the National School of Statistics and Economic Administration (ENSAE-ENSAI) in Paris in 2017.
• A certificate from the International Training Center of the Academy on Statistics and Labor Market Analysis related to the SDGs and Agenda 2063 (2020).

These specialized programs allowed him to acquire in-depth skills in public policy evaluation, project management, and statistical analysis—valuable assets for his future career as an international expert consultant.

Professional Career

Before reaching the highest levels of government, Faya François Bourouno established a solid reputation as an international expert consultant in several African countries, leading critical development missions focused on youth employment and public policy evaluation.

International Expert Consultant (2015-2021)

Between 2015 and 2021, Bourouno carried out numerous consulting missions across Africa, collaborating with international organizations and governments to enhance public policies and evaluation systems. Some of his notable achievements include:

• Madagascar (October-December 2021): Lead expert supporting the UNDP to implement a monitoring system for Strategic Framework indicators.
• Burundi (September-November 2021): International consultant for developing an Agricultural-Entrepreneurship and Youth Professional Training Project (PEAPPPJ).
• Democratic Republic of Congo (October-November 2021): Expert responsible for developing the National Youth Policy and the Priority Action Plan.
• Chad (February-March 2021): Lead expert for the final evaluation of the implementation of the National Campaign for the Distribution of Insecticide-Treated Nets across all regions.
• Mauritania (September 2020-November 2021): Coordinated the urban solid waste management project in Nouakchott, aimed at developing green job-generating sectors.
• Niger (September 2020-May 2021): International consultant and coordinator for youth professional integration projects through training and entrepreneurship support.
• Burkina Faso (July-September 2021): Lead expert for a feasibility study on creating integrated vocational training ecosystems in six regions.

These missions illustrate his versatility and expertise in various fields, from entrepreneurship and public policy evaluation to vocational training and sustainable development.

Contributions to National Policies in Guinea

Alongside his international missions, Bourouno has also contributed to the development of his homeland through significant projects:

• Provided technical support to the Boosting Skills for Youth Employment Project (BoCEJ) in Guinea between 2015 and 2018.
• Participated in developing the policy note on employment, productivity, and youth inclusion in Guinea from 2018 to 2019.
• Contributed to the development of the National Monitoring and Evaluation Plan for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aligned with Vision 2040 and the National Economic and Social Development Plan in 2019.
• Since January 2021, he has been supporting the Guinean Employment Promotion Agency (AGUIPE) to identify employment and skills needs and analyze training-employment alignment.

His deep understanding of issues related to employment, skills development, and public policy evaluation has made him a key player in Guinea's development landscape.

Entry into Guinean Politics

Faya François Bourouno's political career began in December 2021 when he was appointed Secretary-General of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Handicrafts of Guinea. This position allowed him to apply his public administration expertise to serve the Guinean government.

His appointment came at a unique moment for Guinea, following the September 2021 coup d'état. His profile as a technical expert rather than a traditional politician aligned with the authorities' desire to base reforms on technical competence.

Minister of Labor and Public Service

March 13, 2024, marked a turning point in Bourouno's career with his appointment as the Minister of Labor and Public Service under Prime Minister Bah Oury's government. He succeeded Julien Yombouno, taking on a strategic portfolio at the heart of the ongoing reforms.

Ministerial Actions

Upon taking office, Minister Bourouno set clear intervention goals, including:

• Revitalizing the public administration
• Promoting staff mobility
• Improving workers' health conditions
• Encouraging collaborative work
• Ensuring inclusive stakeholder involvement
• Cleaning up the civil service database
• Continuing ongoing projects
• Accelerating the recruitment process for new civil servants

Civil Service Recruitment

A notable achievement during his tenure was the launch of a large-scale civil service recruitment competition on May 14, 2024, aiming to fill 10,000 positions among 140,000 candidates. Measures were taken to ensure transparency, including the use of electronic devices and multiple-choice questions for reliable results.

Assessment of Reforms

On October 4, 2024, in an interview with the Guinean Press Agency, Bourouno highlighted the progress made:

• Recruitment of 20,000 new civil servants
• Youthful and more inclusive workforce
• Improved female representation, now exceeding 30%
• Enhanced working and living conditions for civil servants

Commitment to Social and Religious Cohesion

Beyond his ministerial role, Bourouno remains engaged in promoting social and religious harmony. On April 1, 2024, during an Easter Monday event, he underscored the importance of synergy between the state and religious communities for national unity.

Conclusion

At 38, Faya François Bourouno represents a new generation of Guinean leaders combining technical expertise and political vision. As Minister of Labor and Public Service, his efforts to modernize the public administration, create opportunities for young graduates, and improve working conditions reflect the aspirations of a transforming Guinea. With a methodical approach and technical expertise, Bourouno is a valuable asset in addressing the nation's challenges and advancing its development.