🇧🇫Burkina FasoWest Africa
Burkina Faso authorizes 120 microfinance institutions to operate nationwide
via Lefaso.net1 min read
Burkina Faso's Ministry of Economy and Finance released an official list on April 13, 2026, of 120 institutions authorized to conduct microfinance activities across the country. This action follows the implementation of Law n°001-2025/ALT of February 13, 2025, which strengthens the regulatory framework for the sector. The Ministry clarified that only these 120 institutions are legally permitted to collect public savings, grant loans to individuals and businesses, and engage in signature commitments. This measure aims to protect citizens' savings and sanitize the financial sector by eliminating illegal or unrecognized entities. The government urges the public to exercise extreme caution and only conduct transactions with institutions on this official list to ensure the security of their financial dealings.
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The new hemodialysis center in Fada N'Gourma, Burkina Faso, is significantly improving access to specialized care for patients with renal failure in the Goulmou, Sirba, and Tapoa regions. Dr. Delwende Bertrand Dibri, a nephrologist and head of the hemodialysis center, highlighted that previously, patients traveled at least 150 km for nephrology consultations and even further for dialysis sessions. The center is equipped with twelve dialysis generators, including nine in the main hall, two in an isolation room, and one in the resuscitation room, with two generators in reserve. It can perform 252 dialysis sessions per week, accommodating 36 patients daily for their sessions, and manages a caseload of 110 chronic hemodialysis patients, in addition to acute cases. The facility also includes a catheter placement room, a 165 KVA generator, a borehole with a water treatment room, offices, and an equipped consultation room. All staff, except the nephrologist, received six months of specialized training in Ouagadougou. Patients are admitted after consultation and review by a committee, with a registry maintained for those awaiting hemodialysis. Dr. Dibri identified hypertension, diabetes, infections, uncontrolled self-medication including phytotherapy, and artisanal gold panning as key risk factors for renal failure. Future plans for the center include increasing capacity, organizing screening and awareness campaigns, and training healthcare agents in renal disease management and hemo
Must ReadBurkina Faso's diplomatic and consular staff from the embassy and consulate general in France have officially returned to Ouagadougou following the closure of the Burkinabe diplomatic mission in Paris. The return of the twelve diplomats and consular agents on July 13, 2026, was confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which categorically denied rumors circulating on social media that some diplomats had sought asylum from French authorities. The staff, including former Chargé d'affaires Jean Marie Bakouan, were received by Minister of Foreign Affairs Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré and Minister Delegate Bêbgnasgnan Stella Eldine Kabré/Kaboré. During the ceremony, Bakouan officially handed over the national flag and the embassy keys to the Burkinabe head of diplomacy, symbolizing the effective closure of the embassy in the French Republic. This action solidifies the sovereign decision by Burkinabe authorities to end diplomatic relations with France, a decision announced on June 26, 2026. Minister Traoré stated that the diplomats' return is a crucial step in the process of severing diplomatic ties, noting that administrative aspects are ongoing. Bakouan described their return as "in all dignity," emphasizing that all necessary arrangements were made to inform and reassure other partners, including international organizations in France and other states covered by the Paris embassy. He firmly refuted claims of asylum requests, stating, "We returned proud, tired but not unhappy." F
The second edition of the "Wendok Soccer Tournament" is taking place from July 5 to August 2, 2026, in Nebraska, USA. Organized by Burkinabe national Julien Koala, a surgery assistant and sports brand promoter, the competition features eight teams representing various African communities in Nebraska, including ABN FC Burkina Faso, Team USA, Bana Mboka Congo, Omaha Elites, Nebgam Gambia, 9JA FC Nigeria, Sudan, and South Sudan. The tournament aims to promote Pan-African values and specifically enhance Burkina Faso's international image by showcasing its culture, colors, and talents. Koala emphasizes that the initiative seeks to leverage sport as a driver for economic growth, fostering cultural, educational, economic, and sporting exchanges. It also aims to strengthen ties within the Burkinabe diaspora in the United States, encouraging their engagement in development projects for their home country. The tournament is envisioned as a platform for talent detection, potentially connecting Burkinabe players with American clubs or universities. Beyond sports, Koala and his team are exploring business forums, exhibitions, and B2B meetings to attract investments and encourage entrepreneurship in Burkina Faso. They aspire for the "Wendok Soccer Tournament" to become the largest Burkinabe diaspora tournament in North America, attracting more teams from the US, Canada, and other countries, and serving as a platform for sports diplomacy. This edition is supported by Moussa Guira, deputy de