Bad sets 2027 strategy roadmap for Burkina Faso

A high-powered delegation from the African Development Bank (AfDB) recently wrapped up a five-day working visit to Ouagadougou, laying the groundwork for Burkina Faso’s next five-year development blueprint. Led by Lamin Barrow, AfDB’s Regional Director for West Africa, the team engaged with government officials to craft the 2027–2031 Country Strategy Paper, which will steer the bank’s future investments in the country.

During their stay, the delegation reviewed progress under the interim cooperation framework for 2022–2026, which has been extended through the end of the year. They also mapped out fresh priorities designed to align with Burkina Faso’s evolving development needs. Key focus areas include shoring up economic resilience, expanding critical infrastructure, boosting local productivity, nurturing private sector growth, and streamlining project delivery.

In discussions with Burkina Faso’s leadership, Lamin Barrow commended the government’s strides in national security and the solid macroeconomic gains achieved to date. He also underscored the pivotal role of the government’s new RELANCE 2026–2030 development plan in accelerating sustainable growth.

Aboubakar Nacanabo, Minister of Economy, Finance and Development, urged the AfDB to prioritize productive investments to accelerate industrialization, expand energy capacity, and sharpen the competitiveness of local enterprises. He called for faster, more flexible operational procedures to keep pace with Burkina Faso’s development ambitions.

The AfDB’s current portfolio in Burkina Faso is already substantial. As of late April, 19 active projects were underway across five strategic sectors, with a total value of $956.1 million. Since the interim strategy’s launch, 13 new initiatives have been approved, and two more are slated for endorsement before year-end.

Looking ahead, the AfDB and Burkina Faso face several hurdles in the next partnership cycle. Streamlining land acquisition processes, responding more swiftly to urgent community needs, and sustaining nationwide investments remain top priorities—especially against a backdrop of persistent fragility.