The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Burkina Faso (CCI-BF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Handicrafts and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, organized an information session in Ouagadougou on October 27, 2026. The session aimed to strengthen the knowledge of economic operators on international travel conditions and mechanisms for preventing and resolving commercial disputes. This initiative is a response to the concerns expressed by Burkinabè companies.
Burkinabè economic operators have numerous business relationships with foreign partners, particularly in the context of import and export operations. However, these exchanges involve risks that can compromise their activities. The CCI-BF has identified several problems, including non-payment, non-delivery or non-conformity of goods, poorly framed contracts, and difficulties in obtaining visas. To mitigate these risks, the CCI-BF has initiated this information session.
The session featured two panels on managing international business relationships and mechanisms for resolving commercial conflicts. The discussions focused on precautions to take before concluding a partnership, essential clauses in commercial contracts, payment instruments, and avenues for redress in case of disputes. Participants were also informed about entry and stay conditions in certain partner countries, including China, India, and Turkey.
According to Fousséni Koné, Deputy Director-General of the CCI-BF, this initiative responds to the concerns of Burkinabè companies. He emphasized that international business requires trust, but also vigilance, and that success depends on prior checks, contractual commitments, mastery of payment methods, and knowledge of applicable rules in partner countries.
Seydou Ilboudo, technical advisor to the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Handicrafts, reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting Burkinabè companies in their international expansion. He noted that several disputes result from a lack of solid contracts, ignorance of international payment instruments, and failure to verify the credibility of commercial partners.
The session was well-received by participants, who see it as an opportunity to better understand the risks associated with international trade and travel. Léon Nikiema, a participant, emphasized the need for authorities to strengthen information and awareness among private sector actors and to facilitate the resolution of disputes encountered internationally.
The Ouagadougou session is part of a sensitization program that includes four stages, in Ouagadougou, Bobo-Dioulasso, Koudougou, and Ouahigouya. The CCI-BF and its partners aim to enable a larger number of economic operators to better secure their international transactions and take necessary precautions during business trips.
Key points
- The CCI-BF organized an information session to raise awareness among economic operators about international travel conditions and commercial dispute resolution mechanisms.
- The session aimed to strengthen the knowledge of economic operators on international travel conditions and mechanisms for preventing and resolving commercial disputes.
- The program includes four stages, in Ouagadougou, Bobo-Dioulasso, Koudougou, and Ouahigouya.
