On October 5, 2026, Burkina Faso's Minister of State for Territorial Administration, Émile Zerbo, launched a call to action for citizens to promote local products during a national flag-raising ceremony in Ouagadougou. This event coincided with the second phase of the 2026 National Days of Patriotic Engagement and Citizenship Participation. Zerbo read a speech on behalf of President Ibrahim Traoré, emphasizing the importance of consuming local products.
The minister encouraged Burkinabè to make every purchase an act of sovereignty by choosing local products. He stressed that this approach goes beyond promoting local goods, as it is a matter of economic sovereignty. Zerbo identified three key areas: production, transformation, and consumption. He emphasized that if one link in this chain is weak, the entire chain is compromised.
Zerbo highlighted the country's potential for production, citing examples such as over seven million tons of cereals and over one million tons of rice. However, he acknowledged challenges such as insufficient seeds, fertilizers, and equipment, as well as the impact of insecurity on agricultural production. He urged citizens to work together to address these issues and ensure a strong production sector.
The minister emphasized the need for transformation, stating that Burkina Faso should not export raw materials only to reimport them as finished products. He cited examples such as cotton, karité, and sesame, which could be transformed locally to create jobs and generate revenue. Zerbo argued that this approach would help retain the value added and promote economic growth.
Zerbo also stressed the importance of consumption, encouraging citizens to prioritize local products. He noted that the preference for imported goods, such as rice and industrial bouillon, has hindered the growth of local industries. The minister urged women, in particular, to play a key role in promoting local products, as they are often at the forefront of food production and preparation.
To achieve food self-sufficiency, Zerbo called on citizens, including foresters, to plant trees to protect the soil and combat desertification. He emphasized that good harvests depend on healthy land and encouraged collective action to address environmental challenges. The minister's message aimed to inspire a sense of patriotism and responsibility among citizens.
The government's initiative seeks to promote economic sovereignty and self-sufficiency in Burkina Faso. By prioritizing local production, transformation, and consumption, citizens can contribute to the country's economic growth and development. The success of this initiative will depend on the collective efforts of citizens, producers, and policymakers to promote and support local industries.
Key points
- The Burkinabè government is promoting a "Made in Burkina" initiative to encourage citizens to produce, transform, and consume local products.
- The initiative aims to boost economic sovereignty and self-sufficiency in Burkina Faso.
- Citizens, particularly women, are encouraged to play a key role in promoting local products and driving economic growth.
