Burkina Faso has approved a 10-year programme costing more than 2.8 trillion CFA francs (approximately US$4.6 billion) to expand electricity access nationwide, with the goal of achieving universal access by 2030.
The initiative, known as Faso Wa-Fulu, was approved at a Council of Ministers meeting chaired by President Ibrahim Traoré on Thursday. It will focus on expanding electrification, community participation, energy access and national energy sovereignty.
Energy Minister Yacouba Zabré Gouba said the programme would initially accelerate efforts to address the country’s energy needs, followed by a five-year phase to consolidate the progress made.
At the same meeting, the government approved the creation of the Burkina Faso Wine Company (SOVIB), a state-backed enterprise to process grapes grown locally.
Based in Bobo-Dioulasso, the company is expected to require an investment of about 9.8 billion CFA francs. Its initial capital of one billion CFA francs will be shared between the state, which will hold 45%, BRAFASO with 10%, and Burkinabè private investors with 45%.
Trade Minister Serge Gnaniodem Poda said the project aims to create hundreds of jobs and strengthen the processing of locally produced grapes.
The two initiatives form part of a broader series of measures introduced by Burkina Faso’s transitional government to expand essential services, develop domestic industries and increase the processing of locally produced goods.
