馃嚙馃嚝Burkina FasoWest Africa
Ecobank Burkina Faso advocates for comprehensive support beyond financing for women's financial inclusion
via Lefaso.net4 min read
In Burkina Faso, where women are central to the economy in sectors like trade, agriculture, processing, and services, their financial inclusion remains a significant challenge. Noellie Tiendrebeogo, Managing Director of Ecobank Burkina Faso, participated in a World Bank panel on June 30, discussing women's economic participation. The discussion highlighted that less than one in five women in Burkina Faso holds a financial account, and many female entrepreneurs, even in urban areas, face obstacles in accessing financing and developing their businesses. With real GDP growth estimated at 5.3% in 2025, up from 4.8% in 2024, the goal is to ensure this economic momentum benefits women, youth, and other under-integrated actors in formal circuits. Tiendrebeogo emphasized that financial inclusion for women extends beyond opening accounts or providing occasional credit. It requires understanding the realities of female entrepreneurs, many of whom have viable businesses but are hindered by a lack of traditional guarantees, insufficient formalization, or limited access to financial information. She stated that the main barrier is not solely access to financing, but also trust, business structuring, financial education, and the ability to offer solutions tailored to women entrepreneurs' needs. The panel concluded that access to the formal financial system depends on institutions offering solutions that align with women's actual experiences. For entrepreneurs, the challenge is not just obt
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.
Burkina Faso's Minister of Economy and Finance, Dr. Aboubakar Nacanabo, presented the country's 3rd Voluntary National Report at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York on Saturday, July 11, 2026. The minister reviewed ten years of implementing the Sustainable Development Goals SDGs. Despite challenges such as insecurity, climate change, the COVID-19 pandemic, and reduced external funding, Burkina Faso achieved an average economic growth of 4.8% between 2016 and 2025. The report also noted cereal production covering 126% of national needs, increased domestic resource mobilization for development, the reopening of 1,473 schools, the integration of 1.84 million vulnerable people into the Unique Social Register, and advancements in access to drinking water, industrialization, and digital connectivity. At this international platform, the head of the Burkinabe delegation introduced the RELANCE 2026-2030 Plan as the new national framework for SDG implementation. He also advocated for reforming development financing mechanisms, improving access to technology, and fostering partnerships based on mutual respect, while reaffirming Burkina Faso's commitment to sustainable, inclusive, and sovereign development.
Must ReadMali's Transitional Government announced on July 10, 2026, two measures to revitalize cooperation and friendship with Algeria. Malian authorities decided to return their Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary accredited to Algeria to Algiers. They also reopened national airspace to all civil and military aircraft flying to or from Algeria, signaling a new phase in the rapprochement between the two countries.
Burkinabe filmmaker Corenthien Nana, whose passion for cinema began in childhood, transitioned from science studies to filmmaking after succeeding in a state competition. He trained as a cinema and audiovisual assistant, choosing directing because it aligned with his personality as a "technician" and "man of the field." Nana has directed five feature films, starting with "Le Sort de Nestor" in 2019, followed by "L'Hymne d'amour" 2021, "La Col猫re du roi" 2022, "Honorable" 2024, and "La Conseill猫re" 2025, which was selected for competition at Fespaco. His latest film, "Besoin d'un p猫re," currently showing at Cin茅 Burkina, addresses social pressure on women to have male children. Nana draws inspiration for his scripts from observing society, current events, culture, arts, governance, education, and ethics, aiming to raise awareness about societal issues. He believes Burkinabe cinema has significant potential due to new state initiatives, such as the creation of a structure to support film institutions, and the development of projection rooms and digital platforms. However, he identifies major obstacles: financing, which is scarce; training, as access to institutions like ISISS is limited; and the high cost of quality cinematic equipment, which often requires importation. Nana is currently writing new projects and aims to create a popular cinema festival to encourage public attendance, noting that while major events like Fespaco fill cinemas, attendance drops afterward. He encour