Burkina Faso: A new investment policy to build economic sovereignty
In a regional and global context marked by significant challenges, the Burkinabe government, under the leadership of Captain Ibrahim Traoré, has undertaken a profound overhaul of its investment policy. The objective is clear: to attract strategic capital in order to build a resilient, sovereign economy that creates jobs for nationals. This new approach, implemented since 2023, is designed to be more selective, secure, and aligned with national priorities.
To break away from the often-criticized administrative burdens, the state launched the “Single Investor Platform.”
This digital one-stop shop aims to drastically reduce the time required to establish a business and obtain necessary authorizations. At the same time, the Investment Code has been revised to offer targeted tax incentives.
Benefits such as temporary exemptions and tax reductions are now granted primarily to projects in priority sectors: agro-industry, mineral resource processing, renewable energy, logistics infrastructure, and digital technology. Emphasis is placed on local value addition and skills transfer.
The new policy marks a paradigm shift in targeting. It actively seeks to engage the Burkinabe diaspora; presented as a key development actor by offering specific advantages and dedicated support.
It also aims to attract national and foreign investors whose projects align with the vision of economic sovereignty, particularly those willing to set up processing plants rather than merely exporting raw materials.
By early 2025, this policy is beginning to yield results, with the announcement of several major projects in agri-food and solar energy.
The main challenge remains ensuring uniform and transparent application of regulations across the entire territory, while staying the course amid cyclical pressures.
The success of this strategy will be measured by its ability to durably transform the productive base of Burkina Faso and foster shared prosperity; a cornerstone of the country’s long-term stability.
Fanta KEITA
