Two years into President Ibrahim Traoré’s leadership, Burkina Faso has witnessed significant transformations. The country’s GDP has grown from approximately $18.8 billion to $22.1 billion, indicating a notable economic boost ¹.
One of Traoré’s bold moves was rejecting loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. He firmly stated, “Africa doesn’t need the World Bank, IMF, Europe, or America,” showcasing his commitment to economic independence.
Traoré has also implemented various reforms to promote fairness and equality. He reduced the salaries of ministers and parliamentarians by 30% and increased the salaries of civil servants by 50%. Additionally, he paid off Burkina Faso’s local debts, providing relief to the nation.
To stimulate economic growth, Traoré established two tomato processing plants, the first-ever in Burkina Faso. He also inaugurated a state-of-the-art gold mine in 2023 to enhance local processing capabilities. Furthermore, he stopped the export of unrefined Burkina Faso gold to Europe, promoting domestic processing and value addition.
Agriculture has been a key focus area for Traoré’s government. He distributed over 400 tractors, 239 tillers, 710 motor pumps, and 714 motorcycles to boost production and support rural stakeholders. Access to improved seeds and other farm inputs was also provided to maximize agricultural output. As a result, tomato production increased from 315,000 metric tonnes in 2022 to 360,000 metric tonnes in 2024. Millet production rose from 907,000 metric tonnes in 2022 to 1.1 million metric tonnes in 2024, while rice production increased from 280,000 metric tonnes in 2022 to 326,000 metric tonnes in 2024.
Other notable achievements include the construction of Burkina Faso’s second cotton processing plant, the opening of the first-ever National Support Center for Artisanal Cotton Processing, and the banning of British legal wigs and gowns in local courts in favor of traditional Burkinabé attire.
In the realm of infrastructure development, Traoré’s government is constructing new roads, widening existing ones, and upgrading gravel roads to paved surfaces. A new airport, the Ouagadougou-Donsin Airport, is also being built, expected to be completed in 2025 with a capacity to handle 1 million passengers annually.
On the international front, Traoré has taken a firm stance against foreign influence. He banned French military operations, French media, and expelled French troops from Burkina Faso. This move has been seen as a push for national sovereignty and self-determination.
Overall, President Ibrahim Traoré’s two-year tenure has been marked by significant economic, agricultural, and infrastructure developments. His commitment to national sovereignty and independence has also been evident in his foreign policy decisions. As Burkina Faso continues to evolve under his leadership, it will be interesting to see how these developments shape the country’s future.
Credit: The African Dream