Burkina Faso: Strengthening mining sovereignty with an additional 35% stake in the Kiaka project
In a significant move toward economic sovereignty, the Burkinabe government has increased its stake in the Kiaka gold mining project by 35% . The decision, led by President Captain Ibrahim Traoré, underscores a strategic shift to assert greater national control over mineral resources and channel mining revenues toward domestic development.
Operated by Australian firm West African Resources, the Kiaka mine began production in June and has quickly become a cornerstone of Burkina Faso’s mining sector.
The state’s elevated participation follows the revised 2024 mining code, which enables deeper public involvement in key projects.
This move aligns with a broader Pan-African trend seen in Mali and Niger, where governments are reclaiming ownership over natural resources to reduce dependency on foreign entities and fund social infrastructure.
Related: Burkina Faso takes bold sovereignty step: nationalizing foreign mining operations
For Captain IbrahimTraoré, mining is not merely an economic activity but a tool for national rebuilding, security, and self-determination.
The move signals a demand for fairer, more balanced international partnerships that respect the sovereignty and development goals of Burkina Faso.
It also reflects a growing commitment to ensuring that the nation’s wealth benefits its people directly financing public services, fostering local industry, and reinforcing state resilience.
This step is more than a financial adjustment; it is a declaration of intent. It embodies a vision of economic refoundation built by the people, for the people and marks a new chapter in Burkina Faso’s pursuit of dignity and self-reliance.
Maurice K. ZONGO
