Burkina Faso has signaled a new phase in its effort to reclaim control over foreign-operated industrial mines, with Prime Minister Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo announcing the government’s intent to expand national authority in the sector.
Speaking in a televised address late Monday, Ouédraogo reaffirmed the administration’s long-term strategy to secure a larger share of revenue from the country’s natural resources. He stated that reclaiming ownership is not a temporary measure but a sustained policy direction aimed at reshaping how mineral wealth is managed and distributed.
“Our resources must benefit the nation first,” the prime minister declared, underlining that industrial mining operations—predominantly managed by foreign firms—must contribute more equitably to the country’s development.
Burkina Faso, a major gold producer in West Africa, has become increasingly assertive in demanding better returns from its natural endowments. While foreign investment has been critical in building the sector, Ouédraogo’s remarks point to a strategic pivot that prioritizes national interests and long-term sustainability.
Although he did not name specific mining firms or projects targeted for state acquisition, the announcement aligns with previous moves by the Burkinabè government to review and, in some cases, revise contracts with international mining operators.
With the economy facing mounting pressures and the state seeking new revenue streams, mineral wealth remains central to Burkina Faso’s development agenda. The government’s stance is expected to influence future negotiations with global mining companies operating in the country.