Burkina Faso has begun a new chapter in its gold industry with the commissioning of its first refinery by President Captain Ibrahim Traoré. The RAFFINOR-BF plant, located in the Ouaga 2000 district of Ouagadougou, has an initial capacity to process 164 tonnes of gold a year. This development aims to reduce the country's reliance on overseas refining and increase local economic benefits from its gold production. The facility was officially opened on September 28, 2026.
The RAFFINOR-BF plant is designed to handle doré gold from both industrial and artisanal mines, refining it into fine gold bars with a purity level of 99.9 per cent. The facility includes a foundry, laboratory, secure storage facilities, and a jewellery workshop, allowing for comprehensive gold-related activities to take place within Burkina Faso. This local processing capability is expected to provide better oversight of the gold trade and improve the tracking of gold production.
The project was built at a cost of 11 billion CFA francs, approximately Sh2.46 billion, with funding from the state through the National Precious Substances Company (SONASP) and private partners. The refinery is expected to create about 100 direct jobs and over 5,000 indirect employment opportunities. This development is part of broader reforms in Burkina Faso's mining industry since Traoré took power in 2022, including increased state participation in mining projects.
Gold is a crucial component of Burkina Faso's economy, producing between 94 and 100.7 tonnes in 2025. Industrial mines accounted for about 58 tonnes, while artisanal and semi-mechanised operations produced over 42 tonnes. In 2026, gold made up nearly 94 per cent of the country's export earnings during the first seven months, significantly surpassing cotton. The new refinery aims to retain more value from gold production within the country.
The RAFFINOR-BF plant has been designed to allow for expansion as gold production increases. Managing Director Adama Sawadogo stated that the plant's modular structure would enable the addition of more processing lines when needed. This flexibility will help the facility adapt to growing gold production and contribute to the country's economic growth.
The opening of RAFFINOR-BF aligns with regional trends towards increasing domestic mineral processing. Kenya, for example, is also pursuing plans to process its gold locally, with President William Ruto announcing that the country would stop exporting unprocessed gold and develop refineries, including one in Kakamega. Burkina Faso's new refinery sets a precedent for other countries in the region to enhance local economic benefits from their natural resources.
The refinery's impact on Burkina Faso's economy and gold industry will be closely watched. With its capacity to refine, assay, and certify gold locally, RAFFINOR-BF marks a significant milestone in the country's efforts to master the gold value chain. The facility's success could pave the way for further developments in the sector, contributing to economic diversification and growth.
Key points
- Burkina Faso opens its first gold refinery, RAFFINOR-BF, with an initial capacity of 164 tonnes per year.
- The refinery aims to reduce reliance on overseas refining and increase local economic benefits from gold production.
- The project is part of broader reforms in Burkina Faso's mining industry to increase state participation and local processing of minerals.
