Burkina Faso strengthens economic sovereignty and national participation in the mining sector
via Lefaso.net6 min read
Burkina Faso has enacted decree n°2025-0302 to precisely regulate the participation of the state and Burkinabe investors in the capital of mining companies. This major reform, stemming from the 2024 Mining Code, aims to increase national economic benefits and strengthen local control over extractive resources. The new framework allows the Burkinabe state and local investors to directly participate in the share capital of mining companies involved in both industrial and semi-mechanized operations. For semi-mechanized companies, the state automatically receives 20% of the share capital in the form of free shares, with the option to subscribe for an additional 29% for consideration. The decree defines eligible Burkinabe investors as natural persons of Burkinabe nationality, companies exclusively or majority-owned by Burkinabe citizens, and public legal entities. The Société de participation minière du Burkina SOPAMIB is tasked with implementing this policy by managing the state's and national investors' stakes in mining companies. The decree also sets rules for valuing acquired shares, based on research and feasibility study costs, investments made, and net present value for existing companies, with deductions for prior work or tax benefits. Burkina Faso anticipates increased state revenue, greater involvement of national investors, and a better redistribution of mining wealth, while also prioritizing Burkinabe-owned businesses to enhance local content.
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