About West Africa Initiative
Our History
West Africa Initiative (WAI) was established with the purpose of bringing about lasting transformation to some of the most impoverished areas of West Africa. Our primary initiatives are centered in the country of Burkina Faso, a land of great promise and great need.
Burkina Faso, Africa is one of the poorest countries in the world, has one of the lowest literacy rates and has limited natural resources and a weak industrial base. With the help of our worldwide partners and local business, government, and religious leaders we are establishing schools, medical clinics, training centers, and business initiatives aimed at lifting thousands out of the cycle of poverty and starvation so prevalent in the region.
Ram Zango, founder and President of West Africa Initiative was born and raised in Burkina Faso, Africa. Ram grew up in extreme poverty in a remote village in the central region of Burkina Faso where starvation and high childhood mortality rates were harsh realities. As the eldest son, Ram was one of the fortunate children able to attend school. At a young age he excelled in school, graduating top in his class in primary and secondary school. He went on to graduate top in his class from Ouagadougou University in 1986 with a B.S. degree in Mathematics and Physics. Ram traveled to the United States in 1992 to continue his education. During this time the vision was birthed for the people of Burkina Faso that would serve as the catalyst for the WAI initiatives underway in West Africa today.
Ram operates and serves on the board of several non-profit organizations and business enterprises in Burkina Faso. His leadership, integrity, and successes over the last decade have gained him great respect and influence with the regions business, government, and religious leaders. Ram travels worldwide developing partnerships for success in West Africa and inspiring vision, leadership, stewardship, and innovation that will lead to lasting transformation in one of the neediest regions of our world.