Burkina Faso / Mining sector: Reforms to boost local content and national skills
For several years, Burkina Faso has been engaged in an ambitious reform drive aimed at making local content a strategic pillar of mining development. In a context where the country is among the leading gold producers in West Africa, the authorities and sector stakeholders agree on the need to better structure the national value chain around mining activities.
One of the key reforms was the adoption of the National Local Content Strategy, which seeks to significantly increase the share of Burkinabe companies and suppliers in markets related to mining operations. This policy sets out requirements for mining companies to prioritize sourcing from local players, particularly for services such as logistics, catering, security, and maintenance.
To bring this strategy to life, the government has also strengthened support and training mechanisms for Burkinabe suppliers. Partnerships with vocational training centers and technical institutes have been established to raise the quality and competitiveness standards of local service providers.
Despite these advances, many challenges remain. Financial constraints, limited access to credit, a lack of modern equipment, and the absence of structure in certain sectors continue to limit the capacity of Burkinabe players to effectively meet the sector’s demands.
In response, calls have been made for better collective organization. Pooling of resources, the formation of cooperatives or professional associations, and the sharing of best practices are among the approaches being discussed to strengthen the position of local suppliers. For many observers, the future of local content in Burkina Faso depends on a strategic alliance between the State, mining companies, and national operators.
Through these reforms and initiatives, Burkina Faso aims to turn mining into a true driver of inclusive development, going beyond mere export revenues. Skills development, the structuring of sub-sectors, and the transfer of know-how are seen as key to ensuring that mining resources bring lasting benefits to the Burkinabe population.
