President Ibrahim Traore, who assumed power in Burkina Faso over two years ago, has been hailed for groundbreaking reforms, including the construction of the nation’s first gold refinery and a 50% salary increase for civil servants. Traoré, now 37, became the world’s youngest head of state in 2022 after a coup, focusing on economic self-reliance and cultural pride. His leadership has sparked widespread support across Africa, with civilians reportedly guarding roundabouts to protect him Here’s a list of some of what Captain Ibrahim Traore has achieved in Burkina in less than 2 years he took over.
1. Launched the Postal Bank of Burkina Faso: Burkina Faso inaugurated the Postal Bank of Burkina Faso (BPBF) in 2024 with a capital of 15 billion FCFA ($25 million), aiming to enhance financial sovereignty. President Ibrahim Traoré emphasized the bank’s role in reducing reliance on the CFA franc, a currency tied to France’s colonial legacy, as part of a broader push for economic autonomy.
2. Opened first Gold Refinery for Burkina: Burkina Faso’s first gold refinery, launched in 2024, processed 142 tonnes of raw gold to produce 93 kg of refined gold, marking a shift toward local refining. Approved in 2023, the facility aims to produce 400 kg daily, creating 100 direct and 5,000 indirect jobs, as part of President Traoré’s strategy to control the nation’s gold sector
3. Nationalized key Gold Mine at a lower price President Ibrahim Traoré nationalized the Boungou and Wahgnion gold mines for $80 million, a significant discount from the $300 million price agreed by Endeavour Mining. The move aligns with Traoré’s push to retain economic benefits from Burkina Faso’s gold industry, which accounts for 80% of exports
4. Opened the country’s first locally funded tomato processing factory: Burkina Faso opened its first fully locally funded tomato processing factory in Bobo-Dioulasso, valued at $12 million (7.5 billion CFA francs). The facility processes 100 tonnes of tomatoes daily, generating 187 direct and 10,000 indirect jobs, reducing reliance on imported tomato products
5.Launched a support center for cotton harvesters: President Ibrahim Traoré inaugurated Burkina Faso’s first National Support Center for Artisanal Cotton Processing. This initiative takes advantage of the country’s position as Africa’s largest cotton producer and the world’s tenth largest. The center aims to enhance local textile production and decrease dependency on imports.
6.Established a factory to produce police and military uniforms: Burkina Faso has opened a factory to produce police and military uniforms locally, ending imports and creating jobs. The initiative, led by President Traoré, supports his vision of economic self-sufficiency and local industry growth.
7. Restored alliance with Russia by reopening the Russian Embassy in Burkina after 31 years of closure In 2023, President Traoré played a pivotal role in the reopening of the Russian embassy in Burkina Faso, marking the end of a 31-year hiatus. This significant step, taken in the aftermath of the 2023 Russia–Africa Summit, is indicative of Burkina Faso’s strategic shift towards fostering stronger relations with Russia and enhancing its diplomatic engagements beyond traditional Western alliances.
8.. Adopted local languages as official languages instead of French Burkina Faso has dropped French as an official language, adopting local languages instead, under President Traoré’s leadership. The decision aligns with his rejection of colonial influences, including the expulsion of French troops
