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.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Lefaso.net.
CFAO Mobility officially launched its range of hybrid vehicles in Burkina Faso on Thursday, June 4, 2026, during a press conference held at its showroom. The hybrid vehicles, from Suzuki and Toyota, include models such as the Suzuki Grand Vitara, the new Suzuki Accross, the Toyota Urban Cruiser, the Corolla Cross, the new RAV4, and the Land Cruiser 300. CFAO Mobility's decision to introduce hybrid technology is based on a pragmatic analysis of the Burkinabe market, aiming to offer customers a new experience with comfortable, fuel-efficient, and environmentally friendly vehicles. These hybrid vehicles combine a thermal engine and an electric motor, recharging automatically while driving without needing an external charging station. The system intelligently manages energy, prioritizing the electric motor at low speeds, combining both for acceleration, and using the thermal engine at steady speeds. During braking and deceleration, energy is recovered to recharge the battery through a regenerative braking system, providing a smooth and quiet driving experience similar to conventional vehicles. According to General Manager Camile Wassom, these hybrid models offer customers responsible and secure driving, with the advantage of very low fuel consumption and reduced fuel budgets. While slightly more expensive initially, the investment is quickly recouped through fuel savings. Commercial and Marketing Director Ariane Liehoun/Ouédraogo added that Toyota and Suzuki hybrid vehicles are k
RIMCO MOTORS officially launched the CHERY brand in Burkina Faso on June 4, 2026, marking a significant step in the group's regional expansion strategy and its ambitions in the West African market. The event included the inauguration of its renovated showroom in Ouagadougou. This move reflects RIMCO MOTORS' confidence in Burkina Faso's economic potential and its aim to contribute to the transformation of the automotive sector through innovation, service quality, and long-term investment. The launch was attended by partners, private sector actors, and public authority representatives, including the president of the special delegation of the municipality of Ouagadougou and the minister of industry, commerce, and crafts. Philippe Huart, operations director for RIMCO MOTORS Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso, presented CHERY models like the Tiggo 2 Pro, Tiggo 4 Pro, Tiggo 7 Pro, Tiggo 8 Pro, and Arrizo 5, highlighting their modern design, advanced technology, and high standards of comfort and safety. Rami Tueni, country director and branch manager for RIMCO MOTORS Burkina Faso, emphasized the company's commitment to the country's development beyond commercial objectives. CHERY, founded in 1997, is a leading Chinese automotive manufacturer and exporter, present in over 100 countries. RIMCO MOTORS, established in 2005, operates in nine African countries, distributing over twenty international brands. Headquartered in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, RIMCO MOTORS is the regional automotive platf
Must ReadRomuald Wadagni, a finance expert and former minister, was inaugurated as President of Benin on May 24, 2026, after winning the April 2026 election with 94.07% of the votes. He immediately formed his government on the evening of May 24, breaking from traditional transition periods. The new government, which includes both returning and new ministers, reflects a blend of continuity and administrative reorganization, with some ministries being split, others merged, and new portfolios created. Benin's governance system does not include a Prime Minister. The first Council of Ministers meeting on May 28 decided to hold sessions monthly, on the first Wednesday of each month, instead of weekly. President Wadagni reiterated his priorities: combating extreme poverty, reducing territorial inequalities, strengthening the regionalization of public policies, and focusing on national defense and security. He urged his government to accelerate reforms to improve the living conditions of the Beninese population. On June 3, 2026, the Council of Ministers announced free schooling for all girls in public general and technical secondary education across the country, starting from the 2026-2027 academic year. This expands on existing free schooling for girls in the first cycle. To support this initiative and ensure decent learning conditions, the government allocated 20 billion FCFA to accelerate access to potable water and electricity for all public secondary schools currently lacking these facil
Must ReadPope Leo XIV's encyclical Magnifica humanitas, published on May 25, 2026, is generating significant interest within the digital technology sector. Taylor Black, Director of AI Ecosystems and Startups at Microsoft, stated in an interview with Vatican News that the encyclical offers valuable insights into understanding the human person, which has become a critical consideration in artificial intelligence development. Black explained that generative AI systems increasingly rely on user interaction, necessitating a deeper understanding of human behaviors, values, and thought processes. He noted that technology companies are now exploring philosophical and religious perspectives to enhance their thinking on the uses and impacts of these technologies. Black believes the encyclical provides useful guidance for designing responsible AI, particularly concerning child protection and fostering critical thinking in response to machine-generated content. He advocates for increased dialogue among developers, philosophers, theologians, and religious leaders to guide AI evolution and address its ethical challenges.