On September 28, 2026, Burkina Faso's President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, inaugurated the country's first gold refinery, Raffinerie nationale d'Or du Burkina Faso (RAFFINOR-BF). This milestone marks a historic step in the nation's quest for economic independence. The refinery is expected to transform the country's extractive industry and capture the value added from its natural resources. With this new facility, Burkina Faso aims to move beyond its traditional role as a raw material extractor.
The RAFFINOR-BF refinery represents an investment of over 11 billion FCFA, mobilized by the Burkinabè state, primarily through the Société nationale des substances précieuses (SONASP), in partnership with the national private sector. Equipped with cutting-edge automated technologies, the infrastructure meets the most stringent industrial standards. In its first phase, the refinery will have a capacity to refine 164 tonnes of gold per year, with projections reaching 515 tonnes in the future.
President Traoré emphasized the need to transform mineral resources to capture their value added within the country. He stated that Burkina Faso's ambition is no longer just to extract and export raw materials but to refine its metals locally and control the entire value chain. The President also encouraged the youth to develop technical skills to master the entire value chain.
The Minister of Energy, Mines, and Careers, Yacouba Zabré Gouba, described the inauguration as an act of assumed sovereignty. He stressed that the country's gold will no longer be used to create value added for others while the Burkinabè people remain in need. The Minister's statement reflects the government's determination to take control of its natural resources.
The RAFFINOR-BF refinery is expected to process the country's entire gold production, both industrial and artisanal. The authorities aim to position Burkina Faso as a reference point for gold refining in West Africa. This new facility is a key component of the government's strategy to boost economic sovereignty and promote sustainable development.
The inauguration of the RAFFINOR-BF refinery marks a significant milestone in Burkina Faso's economic development. The country's gold sector is expected to benefit from the new facility, which will create jobs and stimulate economic growth. The government's efforts to develop the sector are part of a broader strategy to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on external partners.
The Burkinabè government, under the leadership of President Traoré, is committed to developing the country's industrial sector. The RAFFINOR-BF refinery is a flagship project that demonstrates the government's determination to take control of its economic destiny. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy and contribute to its long-term development.
Key points
- The RAFFINOR-BF refinery has a capacity to refine 164 tonnes of gold per year.
- The investment in the refinery is over 11 billion FCFA.
- The refinery is expected to position Burkina Faso as a reference point for gold refining in West Africa.
