BAD sets course for Burkina Faso’s 2027-2031 development plan
Bank of Africa’s strategic roadmap takes shape in Ouagadougou
Ouagadougou — The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group is fine-tuning its long-term vision for Burkina Faso. From May 4 to 8, 2026, a high-level delegation led by Lamin Barrow, AfDB’s Director-General for West Africa, initiated consultations to shape the upcoming Country Strategy Paper 2027-2031. This framework will guide the bank’s support for Burkina Faso’s key development priorities in the coming years.
A mid-term review and new strategic pillars
The mission assessed the interim framework implemented between 2022 and 2026—now extended until the end of 2026—while mapping out the strategic axes for the next partnership cycle. Among the core priorities identified are economic resilience, infrastructure development, productive transformation, private sector support, and improved project execution efficiency.
Government collaboration and national priorities
During discussions with Burkina Faso’s leadership, Lamin Barrow commended the country’s security advancements and robust macroeconomic performance. He also emphasized the pivotal role of the national development plan “RELANCE” (2026-2030) in accelerating growth momentum.
The Minister of Economy and Finance, Aboubakar Nacanabo, urged the bank to intensify backing for productive investments, particularly in industrialization, energy capacity expansion, and private sector competitiveness. He further stressed the need for greater agility and flexibility in AfDB’s operational processes.
Milestones and future challenges
As of April 30, 2026, the AfDB’s active portfolio in Burkina Faso comprised 19 projects across five priority sectors, totaling $956.1 million. Since the interim framework’s launch, 13 projects have been approved, with two more expected by year-end.
The consultations also highlighted critical hurdles for the next cooperation cycle: streamlining procurement procedures, enhancing responsiveness to immediate community needs, and sustaining investments across all regions despite ongoing fragility.
