🇧🇫Burkina FasoWest Africa
WASCAL donates cleaning robot to Zagtouli solar power plant in Burkina Faso
via Lefaso.net3 min read
WASCAL has equipped the Zagtouli photovoltaic solar power plant in Burkina Faso with an L1 cleaning robot, developed by SolarCleano. This robot is designed for autonomous or semi-autonomous cleaning of solar panels, boasting a cleaning capacity of 2000 m² per hour, equivalent to over 4 MW per day. Its 2.45-meter rotating brushes and ability to operate in demanding environmental conditions effectively remove accumulated dust, thereby restoring and maintaining optimal energy production. The robot can operate with or without water, which is beneficial in arid regions with limited water resources, and has an 8-hour battery life. Wendpanga Roger Ouédraogo, director of transport and energy movements at SONABEL, noted that the robot is economical as it does not require energy to function, and its total cost is estimated at 50 million FCFA. Alidou Koutou, director general of energy, received the equipment, emphasizing that cleanliness is crucial for the profitability of solar power plants and that the robot will help optimize production by improving efficiency. He also urged responsible use of the equipment to ensure its durability. This donation is WASCAL's second to the Zagtouli plant, following a tractor with a cleaning system and surveillance cameras in 2025. It is part of the PV2H project, implemented by WASCAL, which aims to sustainably improve the performance of photovoltaic solar power plants in West Africa. Dr. Bruno Korgo, WASCAL's regional coordinator for renewable energie
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Bridge Bank Group Côte d’Ivoire BBGCI announced its listing on the Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières BRVM during a press conference in Ouagadougou on July 16, 2026. The operation involves selling 20% of the bank's capital, equating to 10 million shares, for a total of 67.5 billion CFA francs. The indicative share price is set at 6,750 CFA francs. The subscription period for both individual and institutional investors runs from July 20 to August 6, 2026, with the first listing on the BRVM expected in September 2026. Bridge Securities, BBGCI's brokerage subsidiary, will assist subscribers. This initial public offering aims to finance the group's growth and is not a divestment by historical shareholders. The financial holding company Bridge Group West Africa BGWA will retain a majority stake of 52.7% post-IPO. The funds raised will strengthen the holding company's equity and support the group's strategic plan for 2026-2030, which focuses on regional expansion, enhanced financing for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises SMEs, and accelerated digital transformation. BBGCI, present in Côte d’Ivoire since 2006 and Senegal since 2021, plans to enter the Burkinabe market and establish a presence in Guinea from 2027. The bank also emphasizes its digital transformation efforts, including a successful core banking system migration in March 2025. The decision to go public is supported by strong financial performance, with a net profit of 27.2 billion CFA francs in 2025, a 19% increase
Captain Ibrahim Traoré, head of state, addressed the people of the Yaadga region to clarify the current situation in Burkina Faso, distinguishing it from the 1987 events that led to a change in power. Traoré stated that the context of his accession to leadership is "completely different" from 1987. He emphasized that he was not imprisoned and then brought to power by someone else, unlike the situation with Blaise Compaoré and Thomas Sankara. Traoré highlighted his direct involvement in the operations that led to the regime change, stating he was at the forefront with his men and was the "first victim" when the 14-5 cannon fired, being less than 100 meters away. He firmly rejected any notion of being a "number 1" or "number 2," asserting, "There are not two captains on a boat." Traoré also warned against communications that could create misunderstandings or difficulties among his associates, stating that those who create such problems will bear the consequences. He concluded by outlining his clear line of conduct for all collaborators, emphasizing that everyone must follow the mission, and he will not tolerate any deviation.
Bridge Bank Group Côte d'Ivoire BBGCI will open subscriptions for its initial public offering on the Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières BRVM on July 20, 2026. The operation aims to raise 67.5 billion FCFA and will be accessible to individual and institutional investors across the eight UEMOA countries. This offering, approved by the Autorité des Marchés Financiers de l'Union Monétaire Ouest-Africaine AMF-UMOA, involves 20% of the bank's capital, with shares priced at 6,750 FCFA each. The subscription period runs from July 20 to August 6, 2026, with a possibility of early closure. Share settlement and delivery are scheduled for August 21, and the first listing on the BRVM is expected on September 14, 2026. In 2025, BBGCI reported a net profit of 27.2 billion FCFA, a 19% increase, and a net banking income of 68 billion FCFA, up by 15%. Its total balance sheet exceeded 1,427 billion FCFA. The funds raised will strengthen the group's equity, support SME financing, advance its digital transformation, and facilitate regional expansion. BBGCI has already secured authorization to open a branch in Burkina Faso, with plans for establishments in Senegal and Guinea. Investors interested in subscribing must open a securities account with a BRVM-approved asset management and intermediation company SGI and place an order during the specified period. They are advised to consult the official prospectus approved by the AMF-UMOA before making any investment decisions.