Boosting human capital in Burkina Faso: world bank’s new investment

OUAGADOUGOU, November 22, 2025 – The Government of Burkina Faso and the World Bank have formally entered into an additional credit agreement, securing a substantial $100.4 million. This funding is specifically allocated to fortify the Human Capital Protection Project, ensuring the uninterrupted provision of vital basic social services throughout Burkina Faso.

These newly secured resources are set to strengthen several critical areas: they will solidify the policy of free healthcare for women and children, enhance routine immunization programs, guarantee the successful organization of national examinations, and provide crucial support for teacher training initiatives. These interventions are fundamental for safeguarding human potential and extending protection to the most susceptible segments of the population.

Since its initial launch in September 2024, the project has already yielded considerable achievements. Within the health sector, it has facilitated over 16 million complimentary consultations for women and children under the age of five, alongside the successful vaccination of 1.13 million children. Furthermore, the reimbursement rate for expenses related to free healthcare services has notably improved, climbing from 75% in 2023 to an impressive 82% by the close of 2024.

In the realm of education, the project has been instrumental in facilitating the administration of nine national examinations, recording a high participation rate of 98%. It has also contributed to the certification of 99.8% of educators and the distribution of 69,000 essential pedagogical kits.

“The undeniable contribution of human capital to a nation’s progress is well-established. This supplementary financing will undoubtedly amplify the Government’s ongoing efforts to safeguard and cultivate this invaluable asset, which is absolutely vital for Burkina Faso’s economic expansion and social advancement,” affirmed Hamoud Abdel Wedoud Kamil, the World Bank’s Resident Representative for Burkina Faso.

The Human Capital Protection Project, which receives funding from the International Development Association (IDA), aligns seamlessly with the World Bank’s broader regional strategy for West and Central Africa (2021–2025), focusing on bolstering key institutions responsible for service delivery. It also harmonizes perfectly with Burkina Faso’s Country Partnership Framework.

“This additional financial injection is pivotal for reinforcing the gains made in the education and health sectors, both of which have been significantly impacted by the prevailing security crisis. It will ensure that all citizens, including internally displaced persons, continue to benefit from enhanced access to fundamental social services,” explained Ousmane Deme, Senior Public Sector Specialist, and Daniel Pajank, Senior Economist, who jointly manage the project at the World Bank.