Economy Of Burkina Faso

The economy of Burkina Faso has historically been anchored in subsistence farming and livestock raising, activities that constitute the primary means of livelihood for the majority of its population. This agricultural dependence reflects the country’s rural character and limited industrial development, with most households engaged in small-scale cultivation and animal husbandry to meet their daily needs rather than for commercial purposes. The predominance of subsistence agriculture underscores the vulnerability of the economy to environmental factors and market fluctuations, as well as the challenges in transitioning toward a more diversified economic structure. In 2014, Burkina Faso’s average income, when adjusted for purchasing-power parity (PPP), stood at approximately $1,900 per capita, indicating the relative purchasing power of its citizens within the domestic market. However, the nominal per capita income, which does not account for cost-of-living differences, was significantly lower at $790, reflecting the limited cash earnings and low wage levels prevalent in the country. These income figures highlight the persistent poverty and developmental constraints faced by Burkina Faso, where a substantial portion of the population lives below the international poverty line and has limited access to economic opportunities. More than 80% of Burkina Faso’s population depended directly on subsistence agriculture, with only a small fraction engaged in the industrial and service sectors. This demographic distribution illustrates the limited diversification of the economy and the relatively underdeveloped nature of secondary and tertiary industries. The small industrial base and nascent service sector contribute marginally to employment and gross domestic product (GDP), leaving the economy heavily reliant on agricultural output and vulnerable to external shocks such as droughts or commodity price volatility. Burkina Faso has faced longstanding economic challenges that have impeded sustained growth and development. Among these are highly variable rainfall patterns, which affect agricultural productivity and food security, and poor soil quality that limits crop yields and agricultural diversification. The country’s inadequate communications and infrastructure systems further constrain economic activities by increasing transaction costs and limiting access to markets. Additionally, a low literacy rate hampers human capital development and reduces the potential for technological adoption and innovation. These factors collectively contribute to a stagnant economy characterized by low productivity and limited industrial advancement. The country’s economic vulnerability is exacerbated by its dependence on exports, which exposes it to fluctuations in world commodity prices. As Burkina Faso relies heavily on a narrow range of export products, including cotton and gold, shifts in global demand or price declines can have pronounced effects on foreign exchange earnings, government revenues, and overall economic stability. This exposure underscores the importance of diversifying the export base and developing resilience mechanisms to mitigate external shocks. Burkina Faso’s high population density, coupled with limited natural resources and fragile soil conditions, presents significant constraints on economic development. The pressure on arable land intensifies competition for scarce resources, leading to land degradation and reduced agricultural productivity. The scarcity of exploitable mineral and energy resources limits opportunities for large-scale industrialization and export diversification. These structural limitations necessitate careful resource management and the pursuit of sustainable development strategies to improve living standards and economic prospects. The industrial sector in Burkina Faso remains dominated by government-controlled corporations, many of which operate at a loss, reflecting limited private sector growth and inefficiencies within state-owned enterprises. The prevalence of unprofitable public enterprises indicates challenges in governance, management, and market competitiveness. This situation has hindered the development of a dynamic industrial base and constrained job creation outside the agricultural sector. Following the devaluation of the African franc in January 1994, the Burkinabé government undertook revisions to its development program in collaboration with international agencies such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This strategic adjustment aimed to restore competitiveness, stimulate exports, and promote economic growth. The devaluation improved the price competitiveness of Burkinabé products on international markets, leading to increased export volumes and contributing to a period of economic expansion. The government’s engagement with international partners also facilitated access to financial resources and technical assistance necessary for implementing structural reforms. Sustaining macroeconomic progress in Burkina Faso depends on maintaining low inflation rates, reducing the trade deficit, and implementing reforms designed to encourage private investment. Low inflation is critical to preserving purchasing power and fostering a stable economic environment conducive to growth. Reducing the trade deficit requires boosting export revenues and controlling import expenditures, thereby improving the country’s balance of payments position. Structural reforms aimed at improving the business climate, enhancing infrastructure, and strengthening institutional frameworks are essential to attract domestic and foreign private investment, which is vital for economic diversification and job creation. The financial system of Burkina Faso accounts for approximately 30% of the country’s GDP and is predominantly centered around the banking sector, which comprises about 90% of total financial system assets. This concentration indicates the banking sector’s pivotal role in mobilizing savings, providing credit, and facilitating financial transactions within the economy. However, the limited development of other financial institutions, such as insurance companies and capital markets, points to an underdeveloped financial landscape that restricts access to diverse financial products and services. Within the country, eleven banks and five non-bank financial institutions operate, providing a range of financial services to individuals, businesses, and the government. Despite this number, the banking sector is highly concentrated, with the three largest banks controlling nearly 60% of total financial sector assets. This concentration can lead to reduced competition and may limit the availability of credit to smaller enterprises and rural populations, thereby constraining inclusive economic growth. Banks in Burkina Faso are generally well-capitalized, which suggests a degree of financial stability and resilience to shocks. Nevertheless, they remain vulnerable due to their overexposure to the cotton sector, a key component of the economy whose prices are subject to high volatility on international markets. This sectoral concentration exposes banks to credit risk in the event of adverse price movements or production shortfalls, potentially affecting the overall health of the financial system. A December 2018 World Bank report highlighted that cotton had become the most important cash crop in Burkina Faso, underscoring its central role in the country’s agricultural exports and rural economy. In recent years, gold exports have also increased significantly, contributing to foreign exchange earnings and economic growth. The expansion of gold mining activities has attracted investment and generated employment, although it also raises concerns regarding environmental impacts and equitable resource distribution. In 2017, Burkina Faso experienced an economic growth rate of 6.4%, an improvement from the 5.9% growth recorded in 2016. This acceleration was primarily driven by increased gold production and heightened infrastructure investment, which stimulated economic activity and enhanced productivity. The development of mining operations and public works projects contributed to job creation and improved access to services, thereby supporting broader economic expansion. Growth during this period was further supported by increased consumption linked to the expansion of the wage bill. Rising government and private sector wages boosted household incomes and consumer spending, which in turn stimulated demand for goods and services. This positive feedback loop reinforced economic momentum and helped to diversify sources of growth beyond the extractive industries. Inflation remained low at 0.4% in 2017, reflecting price stability that favored economic planning and investment. However, the public deficit widened substantially to 7.7% of GDP, up from 3.5% in 2016, indicating increased government borrowing and fiscal pressures. The widening deficit was driven by higher public expenditures, including infrastructure projects and social programs, which outpaced revenue growth. To finance the growing deficit, the government continued to rely on a combination of financial aid and loans. Concessional aid from international donors provided favorable financing terms, while borrowing on regional markets supplemented these resources. This mixed financing approach aimed to balance immediate fiscal needs with long-term debt sustainability, although it also increased the country’s exposure to external debt risks. The World Bank’s economic outlook for Burkina Faso remained favorable in the short and medium term, projecting continued growth supported by mining, infrastructure development, and consumption. Nevertheless, several risks could negatively impact this trajectory. High oil prices, which affect import costs, could increase inflation and reduce fiscal space. Declines in gold and cotton prices would adversely affect export revenues and foreign exchange earnings. Additionally, security concerns related to terrorism and the potential for labor strikes pose threats to economic stability and investor confidence. These factors underscore the need for prudent economic management and efforts to enhance resilience against external and internal shocks.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Burkina Faso at market prices, as estimated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), exhibited significant growth over the span of 25 years from 1980 to 2005. In 1980, the GDP was valued at 412,240 million CFA Francs, reflecting the economic conditions prevalent at the time. By 1985, this figure had increased substantially to 642,387 million CFA Francs, indicating a period of economic expansion. The upward trend continued into 1990, with the GDP reaching 848,910 million CFA Francs, followed by a more pronounced rise to 1,330,159 million CFA Francs in 1995. The year 2000 saw the GDP climb further to 1,861,522 million CFA Francs, and by 2005, Burkina Faso’s GDP had more than doubled from the 2000 figure, reaching 3,027,196 million CFA Francs. This progression reflects both the country’s economic development and the impact of various internal and external factors influencing growth. The exchange rate of the CFA Franc against the US dollar during these years displayed considerable fluctuation, which had implications for the country’s international trade and economic stability. In 1980, the exchange rate stood at 211.29 CFA Francs per US dollar, but by 1985, it had more than doubled to 449.22 CFA Francs per US dollar, reflecting currency depreciation. The rate then improved to 272.26 CFA Francs per US dollar in 1990, suggesting a period of relative stabilization. However, this was followed by another depreciation, with the exchange rate rising to 499.12 CFA Francs per US dollar in 1995 and further to 711.86 CFA Francs per US dollar in 2000. By 2005, the exchange rate had adjusted to 526.56 CFA Francs per US dollar. These fluctuations were influenced by both domestic economic policies and broader regional monetary arrangements, including the fixed exchange rate system of the CFA Franc tied to the French Treasury, which underwent adjustments during this period. For purposes of purchasing power parity (PPP) comparisons, the US dollar is exchanged at a rate of 470.70 CFA Francs. This PPP exchange rate provides a more accurate measure of the relative purchasing power of the currency by accounting for differences in price levels between countries, thus offering a better basis for comparing economic indicators such as GDP across nations. The use of this standardized rate allows analysts to assess Burkina Faso’s economic output in terms that reflect the domestic cost of living and inflation, rather than nominal exchange rates alone. Inflation in Burkina Faso, measured by an index with the year 2000 set as the base (index = 100), demonstrated varying trends over the 25-year period. In 1980, the inflation index was at 45, indicating relatively low price levels compared to the base year. By 1985, the index had risen to 67, reflecting moderate inflationary pressures. Interestingly, the index slightly decreased to 65 in 1990, suggesting a period of price stabilization or deflationary tendencies. However, inflation picked up again in the mid-1990s, with the index reaching 88 in 1995. The base year 2000 was assigned an index of 100, and by 2005, the inflation index had increased to 115, indicating a moderate rise in consumer prices over the five years following 2000. These inflation trends were shaped by a combination of factors including monetary policy, exchange rate adjustments, and external economic shocks. Mean wages in Burkina Faso were notably low, with estimates indicating an average of approximately $0.56 per man-hour in 2009. This figure underscores the challenges faced by the labor force in achieving higher income levels and reflects the broader economic conditions characterized by limited industrialization and a predominance of subsistence agriculture. The low wage levels are indicative of the country’s status as a low-income economy, where labor productivity remains constrained by factors such as limited access to education, technology, and capital. Burkina Faso’s GDP per capita experienced significant fluctuations over the latter half of the 20th century. During the 1960s, the country saw a modest growth rate of 13%, reflecting initial post-independence economic development efforts. This growth accelerated dramatically in the 1970s, with GDP per capita increasing by 237%, a period marked by favorable agricultural conditions and relative political stability. However, the 1980s brought a reversal of fortunes, with GDP per capita declining by 23%, largely due to economic mismanagement, droughts, and external shocks. The downward trend intensified in the 1990s, with a further contraction of 37%, reflecting continued structural challenges, including declining commodity prices and the impact of structural adjustment programs. These fluctuations highlight the vulnerability of Burkina Faso’s economy to both internal and external factors. Average wages in 2007 were estimated to range between $2 and $3 per day, a level that, while higher than the 2009 hourly wage estimate when aggregated over a full working day, still reflects the limited earning potential for most workers. This wage range is consistent with the country’s status as one of the world’s poorest nations, where a significant proportion of the population lives below the international poverty line. The low income levels have implications for living standards, access to basic services, and overall economic development. Despite its resource-deprived domestic economy, Burkina Faso has remained committed to the structural adjustment program initiated in 1991. This program, supported by international financial institutions such as the IMF and the World Bank, aimed to stabilize the economy, reduce fiscal deficits, and promote market-oriented reforms. The government’s adherence to these reforms, despite social and political challenges, reflects a strategic choice to integrate into the global economy and attract foreign investment. Structural adjustment measures included fiscal austerity, trade liberalization, and efforts to improve governance and public sector efficiency. The country largely recovered from the CFA Franc devaluation in January 1994, a significant monetary event that halved the value of the CFA Franc relative to the French franc and other currencies. This devaluation was intended to restore competitiveness to the economies of the West African Economic and Monetary Union, of which Burkina Faso is a member. Following this adjustment, Burkina Faso achieved a robust GDP growth rate of 5.9% in 1996, signaling a period of economic recovery and renewed investor confidence. The growth was driven by improved export performance, particularly in agricultural commodities, and increased domestic demand. Labor migration has been a notable feature of Burkina Faso’s economy, with many Burkinabé seeking employment opportunities in neighboring countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Mali. This migration is driven by limited domestic job opportunities and the pursuit of higher wages abroad. Remittances sent back by these migrant workers constitute a significant component of Burkina Faso’s balance of payments, providing vital foreign exchange earnings that support household incomes and national economic stability. These remittances contribute to poverty alleviation and help finance consumption and investment within the country. Efforts to improve the economy have focused on several strategic areas, including the development of mineral resources, enhancement of infrastructure, and the increase of productivity and competitiveness in the agriculture and livestock sectors. Burkina Faso possesses deposits of gold and other minerals, which have become increasingly important for export revenues and economic diversification. Infrastructure development, such as improvements in transportation networks and energy supply, aims to facilitate trade and attract investment. Additionally, the government has prioritized stabilizing cereal supplies and prices to ensure food security, recognizing the critical role of agriculture in the livelihoods of the majority of the population. The agricultural sector remains highly vulnerable to fluctuations in rainfall, which significantly affect crop yields and livestock productivity. This vulnerability is particularly acute in the Mossi Plateau region of north-central Burkina Faso, where desertification and encroachment by the Sahara Desert pose ongoing environmental challenges. The advancing desert has led to soil degradation and reduced arable land, exacerbating food insecurity and rural poverty. These environmental pressures have forced many communities to migrate southward in search of more fertile land and water resources. Southward migration resulting from desert encroachment has intensified competition for limited water resources in areas south of the Mossi Plateau. This increased demand places strain on already scarce water supplies, affecting both agricultural and domestic uses. The competition for water has implications for social cohesion and sustainable resource management, necessitating coordinated efforts to address water scarcity and promote conservation. The majority of Burkina Faso’s population consists of subsistence farmers who face numerous challenges, including climate variability, soil erosion, and the use of rudimentary agricultural technologies. These factors limit agricultural productivity and contribute to persistent food insecurity. Farmers often rely on traditional methods and have limited access to modern inputs such as fertilizers, improved seeds, and irrigation systems. The combination of environmental stresses and technological constraints hampers efforts to achieve sustainable agricultural development. Staple crops cultivated in Burkina Faso include pearl millet, sorghum, maize, and rice, which form the basis of the country’s food security. These crops are adapted to the semi-arid climate and are integral to the diets of the population. In addition to staple foods, Burkina Faso produces several cash crops that contribute to export earnings and rural incomes. Cotton is the primary cash crop and a major source of foreign exchange, followed by groundnuts, shea nuts (karite), and sesame. These crops are cultivated mainly by smallholder farmers and are sensitive to market fluctuations and climatic conditions. Livestock, once a major export commodity for Burkina Faso, has experienced a significant decline in recent decades. Factors contributing to this decline include overgrazing, drought, disease outbreaks, and competition for grazing land due to desertification and population pressures. The reduction in livestock numbers has adversely affected rural livelihoods and export revenues, highlighting the need for sustainable livestock management and veterinary services to revitalize this sector. A 2018 report by the African Development Bank Group provided an analysis of Burkina Faso’s macroeconomic trends, emphasizing the impact of higher investment levels and continued government spending on social services and security. The report noted that these factors would contribute to an increase in the budget deficit, reflecting the government’s efforts to promote development and maintain stability amid security challenges. Despite the fiscal pressures, the government prioritized investments aimed at fostering long-term economic growth and improving social outcomes. The same 2018 report predicted that the budget deficit would decrease to 4.8% of GDP in 2018 and further decline to 2.9% in 2019. This projected reduction in the fiscal deficit indicated an expectation of improved revenue mobilization, expenditure control, and economic growth. The government’s fiscal consolidation efforts aimed to create a more sustainable public finance framework while continuing to support essential services and development programs. Public debt associated with the National Economic and Social Development Plan was estimated at 36.9% of GDP in 2017. This level of debt reflects the country’s borrowing to finance development projects and social programs under the plan, which seeks to promote economic diversification, infrastructure development, and poverty reduction. While the debt level remained moderate compared to international benchmarks, managing debt sustainability remained a critical concern for Burkina Faso’s economic policymakers.

In 2018, Burkina Faso’s agricultural sector demonstrated considerable diversity and productivity, with sorghum emerging as one of the most significant staple crops. The country produced approximately 1.9 million tons of sorghum, underscoring its vital role in the national diet and food security. Sorghum, a drought-resistant cereal, is well-suited to the Sahelian climate of Burkina Faso, making it a reliable source of nutrition for much of the population. Its widespread cultivation reflects traditional farming practices and its importance in both rural subsistence and local markets. Alongside sorghum, maize also played a crucial role in Burkina Faso’s agriculture, with production reaching around 1.7 million tons in 2018. Maize is a primary food crop that complements sorghum in the country’s agricultural landscape, providing essential calories and nutrients. Its cultivation is prevalent across various agro-ecological zones, benefiting from both rainfed and irrigated farming systems. The substantial maize output highlights its significance not only for household consumption but also as a commodity in domestic trade. Millet production contributed significantly to the agricultural output in 2018, with approximately 1.1 million tons harvested. Like sorghum, millet is a hardy cereal adapted to the semi-arid conditions of Burkina Faso, making it a staple food for many communities. Its role extends beyond nutrition, as millet is also culturally important and used in traditional dishes. The consistent production of millet supports food security, especially in regions prone to erratic rainfall and drought. Cowpeas, a leguminous crop, were produced in substantial quantities, totaling about 630 thousand tons in 2018. This production volume positioned Burkina Faso as the third-largest global producer of cowpeas, following Niger and Nigeria. Cowpeas are valued for their high protein content and ability to improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, making them integral to sustainable farming practices. Their cultivation supports both dietary needs and economic activities, as cowpeas are consumed domestically and traded regionally. Sugar cane production in Burkina Faso reached approximately 490 thousand tons in 2018, reflecting its role in both domestic consumption and industrial processing. Sugar cane cultivation is concentrated in areas with favorable climatic and soil conditions, where irrigation is often employed to enhance yields. The crop supports local sugar refining industries, contributing to the country’s agro-industrial sector and providing employment opportunities. Sugar cane’s economic importance is tied to its use in producing sugar, ethanol, and other by-products. Cotton remained a key cash crop in Burkina Faso’s agricultural economy, with production totaling around 482 thousand tons in 2018. The cotton sector has historically been a cornerstone of Burkina Faso’s export economy, linking smallholder farmers to international markets through cooperative systems and government support. Cotton cultivation provides significant income for rural households and underpins the textile industry. Despite challenges such as price volatility and pest pressures, cotton’s role as a major agricultural commodity persists. Peanut production was also notable, with approximately 329 thousand tons produced in 2018. Peanuts serve multiple purposes in Burkina Faso, including direct consumption, oil extraction, and as an export commodity. Their cultivation supports both food security and income generation for farmers, particularly in regions suited to legume production. Peanuts contribute to dietary diversity and are integrated into various local cuisines, while also playing a role in crop rotation systems that enhance soil health. Sesame seed production reached about 253 thousand tons in 2018, positioning Burkina Faso as the eighth-largest producer worldwide. Sesame is valued for its oil-rich seeds, which are used in cooking and food processing, as well as in cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. The crop’s adaptability to dry conditions makes it suitable for cultivation in Burkina Faso’s agro-climatic zones. Sesame production contributes to export earnings and provides an alternative income source for farmers, diversifying the agricultural portfolio. Vegetable production in Burkina Faso amounted to approximately 240 thousand tons in 2018, playing a vital role in local food security and market supply. The cultivation of vegetables includes a variety of crops such as tomatoes, onions, carrots, and leafy greens, which are essential for nutritional balance in the diet. Vegetable farming is often practiced on small-scale plots near urban centers and rural communities, utilizing both rainfed and irrigated systems. This sector supports livelihoods, especially for women farmers, and contributes to the availability of fresh produce in local markets. Rice production was around 160 thousand tons in 2018, reflecting its growing importance in Burkina Faso’s agricultural landscape. Rice cultivation has expanded in recent decades, supported by irrigation projects and improved farming techniques aimed at increasing yields. As a staple food, rice consumption has risen alongside urbanization and changing dietary preferences. The development of the rice sector contributes to rural livelihoods, reduces dependence on imports, and enhances food self-sufficiency. Cashew nut production reached approximately 103 thousand tons in 2018, establishing Burkina Faso as the 12th-largest producer globally. Cashew nuts are cultivated primarily in the southwestern regions of the country, where climatic conditions favor tree growth and nut development. The cashew industry has gained prominence due to increasing global demand and the crop’s potential for generating export revenues. Cashew farming supports rural economies, providing income diversification for smallholder farmers and contributing to agroforestry systems. In addition to these major crops, Burkina Faso produced smaller quantities of various other agricultural products, reflecting the diversity of its agricultural sector. This includes a range of fruits, legumes, tubers, and spices that contribute to dietary variety and economic resilience. The multiplicity of crops cultivated across different agro-ecological zones demonstrates the adaptability of Burkina Faso’s agriculture to environmental conditions and market demands. Such diversity also plays a role in risk management for farmers, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate variability and price fluctuations.

The industrial sector of Burkina Faso has historically remained in an embryonic stage, reflecting the country’s broader economic challenges and developmental constraints. Industrial activities have primarily been concentrated in a handful of urban centers, notably the cities of Bobo-Dioulasso, Ouagadougou, Banfora, and Koudougou. These cities serve as the main hubs for industrial development due to their relatively better infrastructure, access to labor, and proximity to agricultural production zones. Despite these urban concentrations, the overall industrial base has remained limited in scale and scope, with many enterprises operating at low levels of technological sophistication and productivity. This early-stage industrialization has constrained Burkina Faso’s capacity to diversify its economy beyond traditional agriculture and mining sectors. Manufacturing activities within Burkina Faso have been predominantly focused on food processing, textiles, and other industries aimed at import substitution. The food processing sector typically involves the transformation of locally grown agricultural products such as cottonseed, cereals, and fruits into consumable goods, thereby adding value within the country rather than exporting raw materials. Textile manufacturing, historically significant due to the country’s cotton production, has centered on producing fabrics and garments for domestic consumption. These manufacturing industries have often been heavily protected by tariffs designed to shield them from foreign competition and encourage local production. Such protectionist policies have aimed to foster domestic industrial growth, but they have also led to inefficiencies and limited incentives for innovation and competitiveness in the global market. The manufacturing sector in Burkina Faso comprises a mix of privately owned factories and enterprises that have been slated for privatization. During the late 20th century, the government maintained ownership of several industrial enterprises, reflecting a broader trend of state involvement in economic activities. However, economic reforms and structural adjustment programs encouraged the privatization of many state-owned enterprises to improve efficiency, attract investment, and stimulate growth. As a result, some factories and industrial units have transitioned to private ownership, while others remain under government control but are scheduled for privatization in the near future. This gradual shift has aimed to create a more dynamic industrial sector capable of responding to market demands and contributing to economic diversification. Burkina Faso’s natural resource base is relatively limited, which has influenced the structure and potential of its economy. Among the few mineral resources available, a notable deposit of manganese ore is located in the remote northeast region of the country. This manganese deposit represents an important but underexploited resource, largely due to its geographic isolation and the logistical challenges associated with extraction and transportation. The development of this manganese ore deposit has the potential to contribute to the country’s mining sector, but significant investment in infrastructure and mining technology would be required to realize its full economic benefits. The limited availability of other mineral resources has underscored the importance of Burkina Faso’s agricultural and artisanal mining sectors in driving economic activity. Gold mining has emerged as a significant growth sector in Burkina Faso since the mid-1980s, evolving into one of the country’s major contributors to export earnings. The expansion of gold mining activities has been driven by both industrial-scale operations and artisanal mining, with the latter involving large numbers of small-scale miners working in informal settings. The discovery and exploitation of gold deposits have attracted foreign investment and have provided a critical source of revenue for the government. This growth in gold production has complemented the country’s traditional reliance on cotton exports, thereby diversifying its export base and enhancing foreign exchange earnings. The gold mining sector has also created employment opportunities, although it has presented environmental and social challenges that require ongoing management. Gold and cotton stand as the leading export commodities of Burkina Faso, reflecting the country’s agricultural heritage and mineral wealth. Cotton production has long been a cornerstone of the economy, with Burkina Faso ranking among the top cotton producers in West Africa. The export of raw cotton and cotton-related products has generated substantial foreign exchange and supported rural livelihoods. Similarly, gold exports have surged in importance, positioning Burkina Faso as a notable gold producer in the region. However, recent reports, including one by the U.S. Department of Labor, have raised serious concerns regarding labor practices in these sectors. The report indicates that both gold and cotton production in Burkina Faso are predominantly associated with the use of child labor and forced labor. These exploitative labor practices highlight significant human rights issues and underscore the need for improved labor standards, regulatory oversight, and international cooperation to address the social costs of economic activity in these key export industries.

In 2012, the United States Department of Labor reported that 37.8% of children aged 5 to 14 in Burkina Faso were engaged in various work activities. This significant proportion of child laborers reflected the widespread economic necessity and social conditions that compelled children to contribute to household incomes or family enterprises. Within the same year, an additional 13.6% of children were documented as simultaneously attending school and participating in work, illustrating the dual burden faced by many young individuals who attempted to balance education with labor responsibilities. This overlap highlighted the challenges in eradicating child labor, as economic pressures often forced children to divide their time between schooling and income-generating activities. Among the most severe forms of child labor during this period were those involving children working in granite quarries and gold mines. These environments subjected children to extremely harsh and hazardous conditions, where they frequently labored six to seven days per week for up to fourteen hours each day. The physical demands and exposure to dangerous substances and machinery placed these children at significant risk of injury, chronic health problems, and developmental impairments. Despite the severity of their work, compensation for child laborers in these hazardous settings was minimal and often non-monetary. Instead of receiving wages, many children were provided only with basic sustenance, such as food, and a place to sleep, underscoring the exploitative nature of their labor and the lack of formal recognition or protection of their rights. In response to the persistent problem of child labor and trafficking, the government of Burkina Faso initiated a National Action Plan following 2012. This strategic framework aimed to combat child labor by addressing its root causes, strengthening legal protections, and enhancing enforcement mechanisms. The plan also sought to raise public awareness and improve access to education and social services for vulnerable children. A key component of these efforts involved collaboration with international agencies, including Interpol, to target child trafficking networks operating within and beyond the country’s borders. Joint rescue operations conducted under this partnership successfully liberated numerous children from exploitative situations, disrupting trafficking rings and providing rescued children with opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society. By 2023, these combined efforts contributed to a modest decline in the prevalence of child labor in Burkina Faso. The United States Department of Labor reported that the percentage of children involved in work had decreased slightly to 35.7%, indicating progress yet also highlighting the ongoing challenges in fully eradicating child labor. This gradual reduction reflected both governmental initiatives and the involvement of non-governmental organizations working to protect children’s rights and promote their welfare. Among the prominent non-governmental actors addressing child labor in Burkina Faso is the Christian Children’s Fund of Canada (CCFC), which partnered with EDUCO, a member organization of the ChildFund Alliance. Together, they implemented a project funded by the European Union that specifically targeted the prevention of child labor in mining activities in the northern regions of the country. This EU-funded initiative focused on creating alternative livelihood opportunities for families, enhancing educational access and quality, and raising community awareness about the dangers and illegality of child labor in mines. By concentrating efforts in the northern areas, where mining activities were particularly prevalent and hazardous, the project aimed to reduce children’s exposure to exploitative labor conditions and support their right to education and healthy development.