Burkina faso Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in burkina faso, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Market Challenges
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Burkina Faso is a landlocked country that depends on Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Ghana for port access and some energy supply. Lomé (Togo) is the primary port for trade, with over 2.7 million tons of goods transiting in 2023. The port of Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire) is the second-most important, handling 2.1 million tons in 2023 and benefiting from better road and rail connections. Tema (Ghana) ranks third and is preferred for fuel and LNG imports.

Despite improvements in the regulatory environment, challenges for investors include an unskilled workforce, poor transportation infrastructure, water and electricity shortages, high energy costs, insecurity, and a weak judicial system. French is the official language, and English is not widely spoken, requiring U.S. companies to use interpreter services.

In January 2024, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger formally exited ECOWAS and formed the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), introducing a unified passport. Burkinabè citizens and businesses still benefit from ECOWAS free movement of people and goods, pending further decisions. Burkina Faso remains part of the West African Monetary and Economic Union (WAEMU).

The judicial system is seen as corrupt and inefficient, with bribery common for favorable court decisions. Contracts are difficult to enforce. U.S. companies should work with reputable local law firms, understand local laws, and include international arbitration clauses in contracts.

Burkina Faso is a member of OAPI, which offers streamlined trademark, patent, and design registration across member states. Enforcement is local, so U.S. companies should register intellectual property through OAPI and monitor for infringement with local legal counsel.

Public procurement regulations are complex and inconsistent. U.S. companies should partner with local firms that understand the system and have strong reputations.

The digital economy is underdeveloped due to poor internet and mobile networks, low digital literacy, and limited payment systems. Opportunities exist in energy systems to support digital infrastructure and user-friendly digital services for populations with low digital skills.

Since 2015, Burkina Faso has faced severe security and humanitarian crises. Armed conflict in the north and east has disrupted trade routes, displaced farmers, and reduced agricultural production. Major cities in the center, south, southwest, and southeast are less affected, but businesses face higher transportation costs, reduced mobility, and unpredictable supply chains. The State struggles to provide basic infrastructure and security services, hindering private sector growth.

In January 2022, the U.S. government terminated Burkina Faso’s AGOA eligibility due to insufficient progress on rule of law and political pluralism.

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