Migrants are often viewed negatively and labelled as invaders or occupiers — pejorative and discriminatory terms that obscure their contributions. However, migrants play a crucial role in both their host and their countries of origin, contributing their expertise, creating jobs and actively participating in community life. It is precisely in this context that the Team Canards association operates. Founded by a group of young Chadians living in Burkina Faso, it is a prime example of the positive impact that diaspora can have.

Team Canards was established in April 2023. It grew out of informal gatherings between compatriots who met every weekend to enjoy duck meat, which is a rare commodity in Ouagadougou where chicken meat, known locally as “bicyclette”, dominates the market. This term refers to local free-range poultry, renowned for its firm, high-quality meat, which differs greatly from industrial or imported chicken. The nickname “poulet bicyclette” (literally bicycle chicken) comes from its fast, jerky gait, which is comparable to the pedalling of a cyclist or the vendors who transport it by bicycle. It is often prepared simply, braised with a little salt to preserve its authentic flavour. It was during these convivial moments that the idea of creating “Team Canards” was born.

Since its establishment, Team Canards has played an active role in providing entrepreneurship and job interview training to young people, helping those seeking internships or employment. The association’s members are qualified professionals, including engineers, teacher-researchers, journalists, communicators and doctors. While membership is free, it requires sponsorship: each new member must be introduced by a current member and, to formalise their entry, must offer a convivial tasting session of duck meat to all members, a ritual combining great fun and community spirit!

In addition to training, Team Canards has created a welcoming recreational space complete with a restaurant serving Central and West African cuisine.  

One of the group’s flagship initiatives is the “48 Hours of Central African Culture in Ouagadougou” festival. Over two days, the event brings together conferences, workshops, trade fairs and a lively gastronomic street market. The inaugural edition celebrated Benin, followed by Guinea and drew more than two thousand visitors to the National Museum of Burkina Faso. More than just a celebration, the festival serves as a vibrant platform for cultural exchange and culinary discovery across borders.

Over time, “48 Hours of Central African Culture in Ouagadougou” has evolved into a significant event, offering a vibrant crossroads for interaction between different nationalities.