Burkina Faso: Industrialization, a new era under the presidency of Captain Ibrahim Traoré
Three years ago, with President Ibrahim Traoré’s rise to power, Burkina Faso embarked on a profound transformation of its economic landscape through an ambitious industrialization policy. This strategy aims to reduce dependence on imports, create sustainable jobs, and strengthen national economic sovereignty.
The agro-industrial sector has experienced remarkable growth with the commissioning of several processing plants. In agriculture, tomato, cotton, and cashew processing complexes have been inaugurated, adding value to local production.
The mining sector has also benefited from this momentum with the creation of the country’s first national gold refinery. This strategic facility now enables Burkina to process part of its gold production locally, thereby capturing greater added value. The state has launched a large-scale program to develop industrial zones across the country. The Bagrépôle industrial park has been expanded and modernized, while new zones are under construction in the regions to open up the country’s interior.
The energy sector, a key pillar of industrialization, has seen the development of several solar power plants and the modernization of the distribution network. These investments aim to ensure a reliable and affordable power supply for industries. The government has introduced programs to support technological innovation, creating research and development centers in priority areas. Vocational training has also been reinforced to align skills with the needs of emerging industries.
Despite these significant advances, challenges remain, particularly in transport infrastructure and access to financing. The government continues to work on improving the business climate and attracting private investment.
This industrial policy is beginning to bear fruit, with a notable increase in the share of industry in the national GDP. It reflects President Ibrahim Traoré’s broader vision of building a sovereign and prosperous Burkina Faso.
