Invest in Burkina Faso: A Landmark Forum for Economic Transformation
By Theodor Evariste SANOU
Ouagadougou, October 9–11, 2025 — The inaugural edition of the International Forum “Invest in Burkina Faso” (IFIB) took place at the Ouaga 2000 Conference Center, marking a pivotal milestone in the nation’s drive toward economic transformation. Held under the high patronage of His Excellency Captain Ibrahim Traoré, President of Faso, the event brought together key global and regional stakeholders to explore the country’s investment potential.
A Major International Gathering
Organized by the Burkina Faso Investment Agency (ABI) in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Burkina Faso (CCI-BF) and the Export Promotion Agency of Burkina Faso (APEX-B), the forum attracted more than 1,200 participants from 48 countries. This strong turnout underscores the increasing global interest in Burkina Faso as an emerging hub for strategic investment opportunities across Africa.
Driving Productive Dialogue and Partnerships
Over the course of the event, investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs engaged in high-level discussions through roundtables, conferences, and B2B meetings. These sessions highlighted transformative projects in agriculture, energy, infrastructure, mining, and transport—sectors that form the backbone of Burkina Faso’s economic development plan.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts, Mr. Gnaniodem Serge Poda, emphasized that the IFIB’s primary objective is to attract structural and sustainable investments capable of fostering prosperity and reinforcing the nation’s economic sovereignty.
Strengthening Diplomatic and Economic Ties
This first edition also demonstrated Burkina Faso’s commitment to regional and international cooperation. China was honored as the special guest, while Mali, Niger, and Ghana were featured as partner countries. This strategic openness reflects the government’s ambition to diversify partnerships and strengthen economic diplomacy to attract both foreign direct investment and cross-border collaboration.
Laying the Foundations for a New Economic Era
The International Forum “Invest in Burkina Faso” established a solid foundation for industrial transformation, job creation, and resilience in the face of security and global challenges. Beyond fostering immediate investment commitments, the event enhanced Burkina Faso’s international reputation as a reliable and sustainable investment destination.
With the momentum generated by this inaugural forum, Burkina Faso is positioning itself as a key player in West Africa’s economic landscape, ready to partner with investors seeking growth, stability, and long-term opportunity.
