Burkina Faso: Food self-sufficiency on the move with the operationalization of “Faso Kosam” to boost the dairy sector
The food self-sufficiency policy driven by President Ibrahim Traoré continues to yield concrete results, demonstrating the government’s commitment to reducing the country’s dependence on imports. The most recent example is the operationalization of Faso Kosam, a state-owned company dedicated to the processing and marketing of local milk. Officially launched on March 27, 2025, by Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, this initiative marks a significant step forward in valuing national production. With a capital of 100 million CFA francs and its first processing unit located in Ouagadougou, Faso Kosam aims to provide a structural solution to the country’s dairy product needs.
This company represents a strategic solution to a major issue: only 2% of local milk production is currently collected and processed, while Burkina Faso spends nearly 12 billion CFA francs annually on importing dairy products. By organizing this sector, Faso Kosam aims not only to meet domestic demand but also to generate jobs and income for local stakeholders, from farmers to distributors. The Cissin processing unit, with its production capacity of 500 liters of milk per day, is just the first milestone. Other sites will soon be established in Fada N’Gourma, Bobo-Dioulasso, Koubri, and Dori, gradually strengthening the country’s food sovereignty.
The government has high hopes for this project, which aligns fully with President Ibrahim Traoré’s vision for a resilient and self-sufficient economy. The goal is that within five years, Faso Kosam will meet at least half of the national demand for dairy products. To ensure the success of this venture, rigorous and efficient management is required, with a strong focus on product quality. Beyond simply processing milk, this initiative contributes to a structural change in the Burkinabe economy, proving that the path to food self-sufficiency is well mapped out and underway.
