Salvation, suffering and sacred hope: the experiences of young adult Christians in Burkina Faso
Sometimes humorous, sometimes scientific, and other times a reference to it’s remarkable physical attributes, the baobab tree is known by many names. Adonsonia, Bottle tree, Monkey-bread tree, Upside-Down tree, Cream of Tartar tree, Tree of Life, Dead-rat tree, and the Camel tree. With its hardy thick trunk, gnarled expansive roots, and green leaves on the tips of its branches, for Esther Kabore, the baobab is quite simply the Tree of Opportunity.
Noting the need
Esther is part of a group of young believers in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, who participated in an entrepreneurship training programme provided by Africa Services Burkina Faso and partners. Run from April to December 2025, the initiative involved the training of more than 300 young adults in various modules. From poultry farming to interior décor to photography to fabric weaving, the more than ten modules on offer meant participants could match their interests or curiosity to a subject.
Currently studying Human Resources, Esther balanced her university work with the entrepreneurship training. During the course she learnt to make yoghurt, ice-cream and a variety of juices. But her favourite product and the one she feels confident will be a strong seller is baobab juice. The fruit of the baobab tree is not just exceptionally high in nutrients and antioxidants, it’s unique sweet-tangy-tart taste makes for a refreshing beverage on really hot days. Having recently managed to acquire a refrigerator in which she can store her freshly made goods, Esther hopes to be able to start selling soon. She hopes that the small 500ml bottles of baobab juice will aid in the pursuit of a big dream. “I also love to make cakes and breads, so one day I hope to have a grocery store and a restaurant.”
Focusing on the future is important for the 24-year-old, as she recently experienced a double trauma. In 2024, her father passed away. Family relatives then stepped up to care for Esther, her mother and teenaged brother. But they had an irrevocable condition: they would not raise Christian children. Her dad might have permitted religious differences, but if Esther wanted to stay in the homestead, she would need to practice Islam. “I could not give up on Jesus as they demanded,” says Esther. Unable to forsake her faith, Esther accepted that she would have to leave. Fortunately, her mother, and her brother who is also a Christian, came to the same agreement. The trio left the family home, taking only the memories of their father/husband and of happier, united times.
Without the support of her uncles, aunts, cousins and grandparents, Esther is aware that she’ll need to become financially stable, independently. It’s unlikely that she’ll be able to live rent free at home while building her small business, or that she’ll be able to set up a small stall in front of the house and sell from it. Or that her customer base will include relatives and the neighbours she’s known all her life.
Accepting the cost
Experiencing suffering, solely because of her faith is difficult for Esther. But she remains unwavering in her fervour and love for Jesus. Being in Christian community has been helpful, as even in the youth entrepreneurship programme, she’s found support and encouragement from other youth who’ve also faced religious persecution.
One of them is Wendyam Yaogo, a 24-year-old Chemistry student. She was kicked out of home when her family discovered she’d become a Christian and was attending church. There was not a single moment of hesitation when the instruction to leave was given to her. “Jesus was enough,” she explains. “With him, I knew I would have everything I need.”
Fellow believers at the church she was attending took Wendyam in, providing her with the material, physical, financial and spiritual care she needed. While she continues with her studies, she too is seeking to start earning a little income to reduce the burden of care on her church family.
Wendyam participated in the milk module at the youth entrepreneurial programme. She learnt to make milk and dairy products, and through her friendship with another participant, discovered an interest in fabric making. Clementine Kassinga, a 23-year-old Linguistics student plans to go into the civil service once she’s done with university. The passion project that she sees continuing into the future is fabric making and dyeing. After learning the skill during the entrepreneurship training, she’s been thrilled to already have had a few orders from clients who wanted specific colours or patterns for occasions.
Other youth who have completed the training include 23-year-old Landry Zonga and 26-year-old Emmanuel Obou Nebie. Landry learnt poultry farming and currently has a combined 50 chickens and roosters under his care. He’s eagerly awaiting the first batch of eggs to be laid so that he can start selling chicks and eggs. Emmanuel who is about to complete his Sociology studies trained in interior design. He hasn’t yet been able to start a business but is keenly looking out for resources and opportunities. If all things go according to the prayers and hopes of these young adults, he may just be the one who designs and furnishes Esther’s grocery and restaurant, Clementine’s fabric shop, Wendyam’s ice-cream parlour and Landry’s hatchery.
