Burkina Faso/Industrialisation: Yet another tomato processing plant, President Ibrahim TRAORE’s dynamic on the move

Since taking office, President Ibrahim Traoré has introduced a renewed focus on key economic sectors, with an emphasis on industrialization and the local processing of raw materials. His vision positions these initiatives as powerful tools for economic development and poverty reduction in Burkina Faso.

In the agricultural sector, significant progress has been made in tomato processing, with the inauguration of two factories within a short span of time.

Following the launch of “the Société Burkinabè de Tomates” (SOBTO) in Bobo-Dioulasso on November 30, the President recently presided over the official opening of the Société Faso Tomates (SOFATO) in Yako, located in the northern region of the country.

These projects underline the President’s determination to transform Burkina Faso into an industrialized nation capable of processing its own agricultural products for local consumption.

 Measures have been implemented to encourage private initiatives that align with this vision, fostering economic growth, reducing import dependency, and ensuring the availability of essential goods. Furthermore, these efforts aim to create significant employment opportunities for the population.

The new SOFATO facility specializes in the production, processing, and commercialization of tomato-based products.

 It was established under the Community Entrepreneurship by Popular Shareholding program, an initiative spearheaded by President Traoré.

With a total investment of 5.65 billion CFA francs, the factory is expected to generate 7,007 direct jobs and over 1,500 indirect jobs, demonstrating its substantial impact on the local economy.

Cédric KABORE