• Burkina Faso ratified a $80.3 million loan from the African Development Bank to modernize transport infrastructure.
• The project targets road rehabilitation, rail upgrades, and institutional capacity building.
• The country faces one of West Africa’s least developed road networks, with limited paved roads in good condition.

The government of Burkina Faso ratified a CFA46.1 billion ($80.3 million) loan from the African Development Bank to strengthen its transport network. Authorities will allocate the funds to implement the Transport Sector Support Project (PAST).

The government aims to accelerate the opening up of landlocked areas while supporting regional integration and strengthening population resilience. Authorities position the project as a key instrument of the national infrastructure strategy.

Burkina Faso faces persistent constraints in domestic mobility due to an underdeveloped road network. The African Development Bank identifies this deficit as a major barrier to the movement of people and goods.

The country recorded 15,272 km of classified roads in 2024, including 4,133 km of paved roads, representing 27.1% of the network. Authorities also counted 46,095 km of rural roads, of which 17,324 km were developed, representing 37.6%.

However, only 2,962.77 km of paved roads remain in good condition. This figure represents 31.83% of paved roads and 10.63% of the total classified network.

The PAST combines physical investments, institutional support, and inclusion measures. The infrastructure component includes the rehabilitation of 193 km of regional roads and 110 km of national roads.

The project also includes the rehabilitation of 60 km of railway lines. Authorities plan periodic maintenance on 270 km of roads to improve access to high-potential economic zones and basic social services.

The financing also covers the acquisition of five public works equipment brigades. Authorities will strengthen road maintenance planning and management systems through the project.

The program includes technical training for regional staff and support personnel. It also provides for the rehabilitation and construction of garages and maintenance workshops.

The African Development Bank states that the project should improve traffic conditions and reduce transport costs and delays. The institution adds that the program should support the growth of local economies over the medium term.