MWE Correspondent
President Ibrahim Traoré, leader of Burkina Faso, concluded a four-day working visit to the western city of Bobo-Dioulasso with strong praise for the country’s recent strides in economic self-reliance and community-driven development, especially in the agricultural and industrial sectors.
During his tour, President Traoré inaugurated several key projects and emphasized the government’s focus on supporting rural populations through improved infrastructure and targeted investment in farming, manufacturing, and national security.
One of the key highlights was the launch of a new tomato processing plant, a milestone project entirely financed through domestic contributions. Costing around 7.5 billion CFA francs (approx. USD 12.4 million), the facility is designed to process over 100 metric tonnes of tomatoes daily and is expected to generate 187 direct jobs and over 10,000 indirect employment opportunities.
“This is the fruit of our people’s sacrifices. It is a factory built not by foreign investors, but by the strength and unity of Burkinabè citizens,” said Traoré.
To support the agricultural backbone of the country, the government also handed over farm inputs and machinery worth more than 104 billion CFA francs, including over 400 tractors, motor pumps, and tillers. These resources aim to modernize farming and expand productivity for crops such as tomatoes, maize, and cotton.
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President Traoré also laid the foundation stones for a new cashew nut processing plant and another veterinary pharmaceutical factory, positioning Burkina Faso to reduce its dependence on imports and add more value within its borders. Learn more about cashew production in West Africa and veterinary medicine.
“These aren’t just factories. They are symbols of hope — powered by patriotism and a vision for a self-sufficient future,” Traoré added.
The investments are primarily funded through the Patriot Fund, a national initiative that relies on voluntary contributions from citizens and tax revenues. The president applauded the widespread support for the fund, noting that “the spirit of La Patrie ou la Mort — Homeland or Death — lives strong among the people.”
Burkina Faso’s recent development drive is seen as a strategic response to ongoing security challenges, especially in the northern and eastern regions affected by the Sahel insurgency. The government has prioritized building economic resilience alongside its military efforts, targeting areas hardest hit by violence and displacement.
Traoré’s message throughout the visit remained consistent — that the country’s transformation must be driven by local empowerment and shared responsibility.
“We are not waiting for salvation from abroad,” he said. “We are building our nation — by ourselves, for ourselves.”
