Burkina Faso: 104,175 billion FCFA to increase electrification to 70% by 2030

The Burkinabè government approved an initiative on Thursday, September 10, 2026, in Bobo-Dioulasso, allocating 104,175 billion FCFA to modernize electrical infrastructure and raise the country’s electrification rate to 70% by 2030. Adopted during the Council of Ministers meeting, the program aims to enhance the transmission and distribution of electricity while reducing the energy dependence of Burkina Faso.

The funding will specifically target the renewal of outdated transmission equipment, the expansion of the distribution network, and the deployment of sustainable energy solutions for households, schools, and health facilities. According to the official report from the Council of Ministers, over 250,000 households, as well as micro, small, and medium enterprises, are expected to gain better access to electrical services.

The initiative will be financed by the Burkinabè state and its partners. The Minister of Energy, Mines, and Quarries, Yacouba Zabré Gouba, stated that it will also strengthen the operational capacities of the National Electricity Company of Burkina, SONABEL, and the new Faso Vêenem Agency, which is responsible for supporting the expansion of transmission and distribution networks.

The project is part of the National Energy Pact and the RELANCE 2026-2030 Plan. Authorities aim to improve access to more available and affordable electricity in rural, peri-urban, and urban areas while leveraging energy as a tool for industrialization and job creation.

A program that complements new production means

This funding comes as Ouagadougou is also accelerating the increase of its production capacities. In July, the government inaugurated a 50-megawatt emergency thermal power plant in Pabré, built for 18 billion FCFA, and launched a 120-megawatt power plant project in Saaba, estimated at 133 billion FCFA.

The Prime Minister’s office also announced new power plants in Bobo-Dioulasso, Koudougou, Kaya, Komsilga, and Toécé, which will add a total capacity of over 220 megawatts. The efforts on the network are expected to facilitate the delivery of this additional production to households, public services, and businesses.

The Council of Ministers noted that the initiative aims to promote productive uses of electricity and create new job opportunities, particularly through more reliable power supply for small businesses and local economic activities.