The Burkinabè sports sector has recorded significant achievements between 2022 and 2026, with athletes winning a total of 1,475 medals in 460 international competitions. This impressive haul was announced by the Minister of Sports, Youth, and Employment, Annick Lydie Djouma Pikbougoum, during the government's exhibition at the second phase of the third edition of the National Days of Patriotic Engagement and Civic Participation (JEPPC) in Ouagadougou on October 7, 2026.
One of the notable highlights of this period was the country's first Olympic medal, won by Hugues Fabrice Zango. The Ministry of Sports also reported the renovation of the 4-August Stadium, which now meets the standards of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). Furthermore, 171 sports facilities were registered between 2022 and 2026, demonstrating the government's commitment to developing sports infrastructure.
The Ministry of Sports has several projects underway, including the construction of the Léguéma Stadium in Bobo-Dioulasso, which will have a capacity of 15,000 seats. An R+5 sports hotel, estimated to cost 25.2 billion FCFA, and a covered sports complex in the same city are also in the pipeline. Additionally, the ministry plans to establish a laboratory for medical care for athletes and an arena for wrestling in Toma.
In the area of youth, the ministry reported that over 500,000 people were sensitized to the ideals of the Revolutionary Progressive Party (RPP). More than 300,000 young people received entrepreneurship training, and 30,000 others were supported under the "Jeunesse Révolutionnaire en Marche" initiative. The ministry also mobilized around 161,500 national volunteers for development projects.
The employment sector also saw significant progress, with 12,688 projects financed, including 5,415 led by women. Over 28,000 young people benefited from support through the Référents Opportunités Insertion (ROPI) program, while 174 referents were equipped with motorcycles. The department also recorded the placement of 25,004 job seekers and the training of 29,116 informal economy actors to formalize their businesses.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Sports plans to implement the "Kombis Yiir Sayan" initiative, with a projected budget of 463.81 billion FCFA by 2031. This program aims to train and equip 10.53 million young people, mobilize 204,000 volunteers, create 35,000 jobs, and train 350,000 young people in market-adapted skills. The initiative also targets the distribution of 23,000 installation kits and the construction or rehabilitation of 220 sports infrastructure.
The "Kombis Yiir Sayan" initiative is expected to have a significant impact on the country's sports sector, with the goal of increasing the rate of sports practice from 14.28% in 2025 to 35.13% in 2031. The ministry also plans to establish sports academies in all regions, launch the "Faso Relève Sportive" operation, and develop a modern archery range in Gaoua.
Key points
- The Burkinabè sports sector achieved significant growth between 2022 and 2026, with 1,475 medals won in international competitions.
- The Ministry of Sports has several projects underway to develop sports infrastructure, including the construction of the Léguéma Stadium and a covered sports complex in Bobo-Dioulasso.
- The "Kombis Yiir Sayan" initiative aims to train and equip 10.53 million young people and create 35,000 jobs by 2031.
