National Association Life – Unprecedented APFC General Assembly in Ouagadougou
Statutory General Assembly of the APFC (Association of Professionals and Stakeholders in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning) was held on December 13, 2025, at the Cardinal Paul Zoungrana National Center in Ouagadougou. Preceded by a public conference, General Assembly, punctuated by important decisions, was marked by the presentation of activities undertaken and challenges facing the sector.
For the 2025 fiscal year, the General Assembly of the APFC (Association of Professionals and Stakeholders in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning) of Burkina Faso introduced an innovative organizational approach. To emphasize the importance of the refrigeration and air conditioning sector and raise awareness among professionals and the general public, as well as the sector's challenges, the General Assembly was preceded by a public conference, explained Elie Ouédraogo, President of the APFC. During the two sessions, "Refrigeration and Employability Opportunities in Burkina Faso" and "The Challenges of Natural Refrigerants in Burkina Faso," the essential role of the sector in the Burkinabe national economy was highlighted, along with its growing need for qualified technicians, the employment and self-employment opportunities it offers young people, and the importance of vocational training and skills certification. Advantages of natural refrigerants in terms of safety, sustainability, and environmental friendliness were also discussed. This second session addressed the technical and regulatory challenges related to their adoption and the need to strengthen the capacities of stakeholders in the sector. The formal General Assembly, which followed once a quorum was reached, had the following agenda items: "Presentation and adoption of the activity and financial report," "Presentation and adoption of the 2026 Activity Program and Budget," and "Other business." After review, the General Assembly approved and adopted the activity and financial report, President Ouédraogo confirmed. It should be noted that previously, the Secretary General presented the activity report, including the memberships of 34 registered individuals. Of these, 10 members will have full membership once their dues are paid. In 2025, the APFC National Office initiated and organized the training of 200 technicians on the handling of natural refrigerants, and provided support to several national partners such as LPRC, NASCO, SHARP, and others.
A year rich in activities
Regarding international cooperation and partnerships, the General Assembly reviewed SICREM (International Exhibition of Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Energy in Mali), SIFA in France, the closing of the SOPHIA Project, etc.
In terms of communication, APFC focused on creating the website for SICRO (International Exhibition of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration in Ouagadougou) and organizing a press conference in June. Concerning social initiatives, several measures were taken, including a donation of 5 tons of cement to Faso Mébo and the presentation of Certificates of Recognition to partners. Following the announcement of the SICRO conference, to be held from April 9 to 12, 2026, the activity report was adopted by the General Assembly.
The Treasurer then presented the financial statements. The financial report of the APFC National Office showed revenues of 2,408,091 CFA francs against expenses of 2,039,000 CFA francs, resulting in a surplus of 369,091 CFA francs. After review, the financial report was adopted by the General Assembly. The overall projected budget for 2026 is estimated at 96,400,000 CFA francs, which will be used to support training, communication, events, and cooperation activities.
Raising the RAC Sector
After approval was granted on these points, the members present discussed the activities carried out and the challenges facing the sector, including the professionalization of stakeholders, continuing education, adherence to standards, and recognition of the profession.
Regarding the "Other Business" item, honorary members were appointed. These include Mr. Kaboré Amidou, Mr. Sempore Jean Francis, Mr. Bambara Ibrahim, and Mr. Kambwole D. Racine.
It should be noted that an awards ceremony for training centers and universities concluded the discussions. These included UTM, LPRGO, LPRC, Joseph KI-ZERBO University, YENNEGA FORMATION, CFPRZ, the Virtual University, LPRMI, and the APFC Award. Finally, the APFC presented the awards and distinctions it had received, namely a Certificate of Recognition in Mali and the Certificate for Best Association at the African level. In this context, the APFC, at the initiative of U-3ARC, organized the Burkina Faso Refrigeration Technicians' New Year's Day. During this day, it invited all members and partners to a large participatory event on Friday, January 9, 2026, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the presentation of New Year's greetings, official thanks, and, above all, the free maintenance of the air conditioners in the main building.