In a letter to the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Handicrafts, Kiébré Mahamoudou, an inspector of secondary education, has proposed reviving the Société Industrielle du Faso (SIFA) as a national assembly plant for two-wheel vehicles. The proposal aims to leverage local production, utilize the skills of former SIFA workers, create employment opportunities, and develop related industries such as manufacturing spare parts and recycling plastic.
The proposed project involves assembling vélomoteurs and cyclomoteurs using the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) model, which would reduce production costs by 30-40%. This approach would enable the setting of a sovereign price for the final product, making it more affordable for low-income individuals such as farmers, students, and small traders. The current price of imported two-wheel vehicles ranges from 750,000 to 1,200,000 FCFA, which is unaffordable for many Burkinabè.
Mahamoudou argues that the project would create significant employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly. With an annual production capacity of 50,000 units, the plant would generate 800-1,200 direct jobs and over 5,000 indirect jobs. Additionally, the project would contribute to the development of a national industry for mechanical spare parts and promote the recycling of plastic waste.
The proposed project also aims to revive SAP Olympic, a former industrial plant in Koudougou, which would supply tires and inner tubes to the SIFA assembly plant. This would create a mutually beneficial relationship between the two plants and contribute to the growth of a national industry. Furthermore, the project would promote the development of related industries, such as the manufacture of plastic components and accessories.
Mahamoudou emphasizes that the project aligns with the vision of the Révolution Progressiste Populaire (RPP), which prioritizes local production and consumption. The project would also contribute to the implementation of reforms in the education system, providing training opportunities for young people in industrial skills. The proposed project is expected to have a positive impact on the country's economy, reducing the import bill for two-wheel vehicles and promoting economic growth.
The Burkinabè government imports approximately 150 billion FCFA worth of two-wheel vehicles annually, which represents a significant drain on the country's foreign exchange reserves. By reviving SIFA as a national assembly plant, the government aims to reduce import costs and promote local industry. The project's success would depend on various factors, including the availability of funding, technical expertise, and market demand.
The proposal to revive SIFA as a national two-wheel vehicle assembly plant has the potential to boost industry, create jobs, and reduce import costs in Burkina Faso. The project's focus on local production, skills development, and related industries aligns with the government's priorities for economic development. If implemented, the project could contribute to the growth of a national industry and improve the livelihoods of Burkinabè citizens.
Key points
- The proposed project aims to reduce the cost of two-wheel vehicles by 30-40% through local assembly and CKD production.
- The project is expected to create 800-1,200 direct jobs and over 5,000 indirect jobs, contributing to employment growth and economic development.
- The revival of SIFA would also promote the development of related industries, such as the manufacture of mechanical spare parts and plastic components.
