string(20) "slug is burkina-faso" Burkina Faso - Country Profile - African Landlocked Countries Research Centre
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Burkina Faso

Capital: Ouagadougou

Population

~23 million (2024 estimate)

Area

272,967 km²

GDP

$20.9 billion (2023 est.)

Bordering Countries

6

Overview

West Africa, bordered by Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d'Ivoire

Burkina Faso is a landlocked West African nation dependent on agriculture (especially cotton) and gold mining. It faces challenges from high transport costs, security issues, and climate vulnerabilities, but is pursuing regional cooperation and infrastructure development.

Bordering Countries: Mali, Niger, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire

Economic Profile

Primary Exports

Gold (over 70% of export earnings), cotton, livestock, sesame seeds

Key Industries

Mining (gold, zinc), agriculture (cotton, cereals), livestock, services

Main Trade Partners

Switzerland (gold), Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, India, France

Economic Challenges

High transport costs, trade delays, security challenges, climate vulnerabilities, infrastructure needs

Trade & Transit Infrastructure

Main Transit Corridors

Abidjan-Ouagadougou Corridor, Tema-Ouagadougou Corridor, Lomé-Ouagadougou Corridor, Cotonou-Ouagadougou Corridor

Key Border Crossing Points

Houndé (Côte d'Ivoire), Dakola (Ghana), Cinkansé (Togo), Niangoloko (Côte d'Ivoire), Fada N'Gourma (Benin)

Port Access

Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire), Tema (Ghana), Lomé (Togo), Cotonou (Benin)

Transport Infrastructure Quality

Implementation of One-Stop Border Posts (OSBPs), digital customs platforms, corridor infrastructure improvements

Trade & Transit Challenges

Dependence on multiple transit countries, security risks along corridors, infrastructure gaps, border delays, high logistics costs

Key Statistics & Indicators

Average Border Waiting Time: 12-24 hours (varies by route)
Trade Cost to Port: $2,200-$2,800 per container
Logistics Performance Index: 2.36 (out of 5, 2023)
Regional Trade Share: ~20% of total exports
Human Development Index: 0.452 (2022)

National Trade & Development Strategies

National Development Plan (PNDES): economic transformation, infrastructure, regional integration; AfCFTA implementation; customs modernization

Ongoing and Planned Projects

Border post upgrades (Cinkansé, Dakola, Niangoloko), Abidjan-Ouagadougou Rail Project rehabilitation, trade facilitation initiatives, security and resilience programs