Economic Overview

In recent years, Burkina Faso has witnessed robust economic growth driven by gold and cotton production. However, the trajectory was disrupted by the coronavirus crisis followed by political and security challenges, which had adverse effects. Despite a slowdown in 2022 (+1.5%), economic growth rebounded to 4.4% in 2023 (IMF), primarily propelled by the agriculture and services sectors. Notably, cotton production, which had suffered from insect infestation in 2022, played a pivotal role in revitalizing the agricultural sector. The resurgence of gold production, constituting 78% of exports in 2021, alongside the reopening of previously closed mines due to security concerns and the government's renewal and allocation of new operating licenses, holds the potential to drive growth to 6.4% in 2024. However, this optimistic economic forecast is contingent upon persistently high levels of political and security instability.

In 2022, the economic recovery was marred by two military coups, justified by its perpetrators by the government's inability to contain the jihadist insurgency. Against the backdrop of political instability, expenditures on defense and security are expected to remain substantial. While the budget deficit is projected to decrease over the forecast horizon, it will remain elevated and surpass the standard set by the WAEMU community, which is 3% of GDP. However, increased tax revenues stemming from stronger economic growth and initiatives aimed at broadening the tax base (Coface) will partially offset this deficit. The Extended Credit Facility (ECF) agreement with the IMF, finalized in June 2023 with a disbursement of USD 305 million spread over 4 years, will support the country's ongoing efforts toward fiscal consolidation. Although considered sustainable, public debt will continue to be vulnerable to political instability, constraining public spending and diminishing support from international donors. Estimated at 61.2% of GDP last year by the IMF, it should remain stable in the medium term.Inflation decelerated significantly in 2023 (from 14.1% in 2022 to 1.4%), thanks to moderating commodity prices and the tight monetary policy implemented by the BCEAO. This trend is expected to persist into 2024, aided by a more favorable agricultural harvest domestically, which should alleviate pressure on food prices, alongside continued adherence to a restrictive monetary policy. Burkina Faso's economy is hindered by its faulty infrastructure, including electrical infrastructure, and vulnerability to the volatility of oil import prices as well as gold and cotton prices. In the medium term, the country will have to modernize its public affairs management, readjust public finances, reform the financial system, and improve the business climate. Burkina Faso is considered to have a high risk of over-indebtedness, as it is extremely dependent on foreign aid.

According to the World Bank, more than 40% of the population still lives below the poverty line. In recent years, the country has made considerable progress in education. Nevertheless, insecurity and terrorism are taking a heavy toll in several regions, negatively affecting the education sector. More than 2 million persons have been internally displaced, and over 3 million people are in a situation of food insecurity. The latest estimates from the World Bank point to a 5.1% unemployment rate; however, the informal sector accounts for a large part of GDP in Burkina Faso, with around 70% of total non-agricultural employment.

Foreign Trade

Burkina Faso is open to foreign trade, which represents 59% of the country’s GDP (World Bank, latest available data). As part of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), Burkina Faso has regulated its tariff structure. Goods produced in the Union are exempt from import tax. However, internal and external crises (in neighboring Mali), as well as the actions of radical groups in the Sahel, have had a negative impact on trade and the industrial outlook. Gold is the greatest export (74.1% of total exports in 2022). Burkina Faso is one of the largest exporters of cotton in West Africa, and its production of cotton has quadrupled in the past ten years. However, the commodity has seen its share in the exports decrease from 15.8% of total exports in 2016 to 10.1% in 2021 (Comtrade). The country’s main imports are petroleum oils (32.3%), medicaments (3.7%), cement (3.1%), rice (2.5%), electrical energy (2.4%), and petroleum gas (2.3%).

Burkina Faso's main export partners are Switzerland (68.8%), Mali (6.7%), the United Arab Emirates (4.3%), Singapore (3.8%), Ivory Coast (3.7%), and France (2.1%); whereas imports come chiefly from China (12.9%), Ivory Coast (10.6%), France (9.3%), Russia (7.8%), and India (6.3% - data Comtrade for 2022).

Burkina Faso’s trade balance is structurally negative, but the trade deficit has been decreasing gradually over the past years due to increased gold and cotton exports and lower imports. After turning positive in 2020 and 2021, the trade balance recorded a deficit estimated at 1.4% of GDP in 2022 (World Bank). In the same year, the country exported USD 4.5 billion worth of goods, against USD 5.5 billion in imports; while services exports generated USD 495 million vis-à-vis USD 1.58 billion in imports (WTO).

COVID-19 Country Response

Travel restrictions

Regularly updated travel information for all countries with regards to Covid-19 related entry regulations, flight bans, test and vaccines requirements is available on TravelDoc Infopage.
To find information about the current travel regulations, including health requirements, it is also advised to consult Travel Regulations Map provided and updated on a daily basis by IATA.

Import & export restrictions

A general overview of trade restrictions which were adopted by different countries during the COVID-19 pandemic is available on the International Trade Centre's COVID-19 Temporary Trade Measures webpage.

Economic recovery plan

For the general overview of the key economic policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic (fiscal, monetary and macroeconomic) undertaken by the government of Burkina Faso, please consult the country's dedicated section in the IMF’s Policy Tracker platform.

Support plan for businesses

For an evaluation of impact of the Covid pandemic on SMEs and an inventory of country responses to foster SME resilience, refer to the OECD's SME Covid-19 Policy Responses document.
You can also consult the World Bank's Map of SME-Support Measures in Response to COVID-19.