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President Ibrahim Traore, who assumed power in Burkina Faso over two years ago, has been hailed for groundbreaking reforms, including the construction of the nation’s first gold refinery and a 50% salary increase for civil servants.

Traoré, now 37, became the world’s youngest head of state in 2022 after a coup, focusing on economic self-reliance and cultural pride. His leadership has sparked widespread support across Africa, with civilians reportedly guarding roundabouts to protect him

Here’s a list of some of what Captain Ibrahim Traore has achieved in Burkina in less than 2 years he took over. 👇

1. Launched the Postal Bank of Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso inaugurated the Postal Bank of Burkina Faso (BPBF) in 2024 with a capital of 15 billion FCFA ($25 million), aiming to enhance financial sovereignty. President Ibrahim Traoré emphasized the bank’s role in reducing reliance on the CFA franc, a currency tied to France’s colonial legacy, as part of a broader push for economic autonomy

2. Opened first Gold Refinery for Burkina

Burkina Faso’s first gold refinery, launched in 2024, processed 142 tonnes of raw gold to produce 93 kg of refined gold, marking a shift toward local refining. Approved in 2023, the facility aims to produce 400 kg daily, creating 100 direct and 5,000 indirect jobs, as part of President Traoré’s strategy to control the nation’s gold sector

3. Nationalized key Gold Mine at a lower price

President Ibrahim Traoré nationalized the Boungou and Wahgnion gold mines for $80 million, a significant discount from the $300 million price agreed by Endeavour Mining. The move aligns with Traoré’s push to retain economic benefits from Burkina Faso’s gold industry, which accounts for 80% of exports

4. Opened the country’s first locally funded tomato processing factory

Burkina Faso opened its first fully locally funded tomato processing factory in Bobo-Dioulasso, valued at $12 million (7.5 billion CFA francs). The facility processes 100 tonnes of tomatoes daily, generating 187 direct and 10,000 indirect jobs, reducing reliance on imported tomato products

5. Burkina becomes the first French colonized nation in sub-Saharan Africa to produce tomato concentrate

Burkina Faso has become the first formally French-colonized nation in sub-Saharan Africa to produce tomato concentrate, thanks to its new processing plant in Bobo-Dioulasso. The factory, producing paste and sauces under the “A’diaa” brand, marks a milestone in agro-industrial development

6. Launched a support center for cotton harvesters

President Ibrahim Traoré inaugurated Burkina Faso’s first National Support Center for Artisanal Cotton Processing. This initiative takes advantage of the country’s position as Africa’s largest cotton producer and the world’s tenth largest. The center aims to enhance local textile production and decrease dependency on imports.

7. Established a factory to produce police and military uniforms

Burkina Faso has opened a factory to produce police and military uniforms locally, ending imports and creating jobs. The initiative, led by President Traoré, supports his vision of economic self-sufficiency and local industry growth.

8. Ordered judicial system to ditch European style dressing, introduced African clothes in court

Lawyers in Burkina Faso now wear 100% African clothes in court, replacing European-style wigs, as part of President Traoré’s push to reject colonial legacies and promote cultural identity.

9. Adopted the traditional attire to be used as school uniforms

In 2023, President Ibrahim Traoré encouraged the adoption of Faso Dan Fani textiles for school uniforms throughout Burkina Faso. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Education, seeks to foster appreciation for the country’s rich cultural heritage among students.

10. Banned importation of secondhand clothes, encouraging locally made attire

President Ibrahim Traoré has announced a ban on the importation of second-hand clothing, promoting the adoption of locally made garments among the African population. This initiative aims to bolster Burkina Faso’s textile industry while fostering a sense of cultural and economic sovereignty that aligns with President Traoré’s broader vision.

11. Improved healthcare systems and facilities and also introduced free surgeries

President Traoré supplied the Ministry of Health with 15 mobile clinics, 36 vehicles, 3 oxygen units, 11 cold rooms, 835 tablets, and 1,900 solar refrigerators. Additionally, 4,000 free cataract surgeries were provided, improving healthcare access for citizens.

12. Expanded Bobo-Dioulasso Airport and revived Air Burkina

Burkina Faso invested 80 billion CFA francs to modernize Bobo-Dioulasso Airport, the country’s second-largest hub. President Traoré also acquired an Embraer 170 to revive Air Burkina, boosting national connectivity and infrastructure.

13. Supported farmers with agricultural tools and equipment to boost production

President Traoré provided farmers with 400 tractors, 953 motorcycles, 710 motor pumps, 10,000 tonnes of fish food, 68,964 tonnes of fertilizer, and 10,000 liters of phytosanitary products to enhance agricultural productivity in Burkina Faso, a key sector in the savanna-rich nation.

14. Joined Mali and Niger to establish the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)

President Traoré has formally signed a treaty with Mali and Niger to establish the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a collaborative confederation aimed at promoting regional cooperation and autonomy. 

Formalized in 2024, the AES is committed to creating a stabilization fund, a central bank, and an economic committee to enhance economic development and stability in the region, while providing an alternative framework to ECOWAS.

15. Launched a new biometric passport without the ECOWAS symbol

In a move to establish his vision of enhancing regional sovereignty and fostering independent governance, Traore introduced a new biometric passport that does not feature the ECOWAS logo, signaling its transition as part of the Alliance of Sahel States.

16. Restored alliance with Russia by reopening the Russian Embassy in Burkina after 31 years of closure

In 2023, President Traoré played a pivotal role in the reopening of the Russian embassy in Burkina Faso, marking the end of a 31-year hiatus. This significant step, taken in the aftermath of the 2023 Russia–Africa Summit, is indicative of Burkina Faso’s strategic shift towards fostering stronger relations with Russia and enhancing its diplomatic engagements beyond traditional Western alliances.

17. Adopted local languages as official languages instead of French

Burkina Faso has dropped French as an official language, adopting local languages instead, under President Traoré’s leadership. The decision aligns with his rejection of colonial influences, including the expulsion of French troops

18. Ended Operation Sabre by expelling French troops and military bases out of Burkina

President Ibrahim Traoré expelled French troops from Burkina Faso in 2023, officially ending Operation Sabre with a historic ceremony. The move reflects Traoré’s push for “win-win partnerships” with nations like Russia amid ongoing security challenges