Burkina Faso/Development: The government’s industrialisation policy is active
The energy, commitment, and determination demonstrated by Burkina Faso’s leadership in fighting terrorism are equally visible in their drive for economic development.
President Ibrahim Traoré and his administration are firmly committed to balancing efforts to reclaim full territorial control with socio-economic progress, viewing economic growth as a key tool to ultimately overcome the security crisis.
In a direct address on National Radio on October 5, President Traoré emphasized that “war cannot be fought independently of development.” For him, economic advancement is inseparable from industrialization.
On September 20, speaking to Burkinabe and Chinese business leaders, he stressed the significance of building the country’s industrial base, urging investors to help drive this progress.
“The development of a nation starts with strengthening its industrial fabric,” he stated. Central to his development strategy is local processing of Burkina Faso’s raw materials, aiming for food self-sufficiency and a significant reduction in costly imports.
Alongside encouraging private-sector participation, the government is also heavily investing in industries for local transformation.
One example is the upcoming tomato processing factory, set to deliver its first products soon. Furthering this approach, President Traoré and his team have decided to revive Burkina Faso’s former state-owned brewery, BRAFASO.
Renamed the New-National Brewery of Faso (SN-BRAFASO), this revival of a majority-public-owned enterprise reflects the authorities’ vision for a self-sufficient, industrialized Burkina Faso—where citizens can rely on locally-produced goods and reduce dependence on expensive imports, bolstering the nation’s economic resilience.
Papa IBRAHIMA
