• Government repaid about CFA1 200 billion from January to November 2025

• Internal revenues reached CFA2 500 billion, equal to 105 % of the annual target

• Increased receipts enabled repayment of part of a domestic debt nearing CFA4 859 billion

The government of Burkina Faso repaid nearly CFA1 200 billion ($2.13 billion) in domestic debt between January and the end of November 2025. The information was disclosed last week by Minister of Economy and Finance Aboubacar Nacanabo during the cabinet briefing.

According to the minister, by September 30, 2025, the state had collected CFA2 500 billion in internal revenues. These revenues, which include taxes, duties, and income generated by public administrations, amounted to 105 % of the full-year target. This means the state collected CFA388 billion more than at the same time in 2024. The increase reflects a clear improvement in revenue collection, a key factor in financing current expenditures and easing cash pressures.

The rise in receipts enabled the government to mobilize nearly CFA1 200 billion to repay part of the domestic debt. This debt mainly concerns local companies, state suppliers, banks, and financial institutions. For context, Burkina Faso’s domestic debt stood at CFA4 858.75 billion at the end of March 2025, compared with CFA4 777.91 billion at the end of December 2024, a 1.7 % increase in three months.

According to data from the 2025 Public Debt Statistical Bulletin No. 2, issued by the General Directorate of the Treasury, domestic debt at the end of March 2025 was made up of 77.9 % in public securities issued on the regional financial market, including Treasury bills and bonds.

Minister Nacanabo noted that domestic debt is a permanent budget adjustment tool. Even when significant repayments are made, the debt builds up again as soon as the state undertakes new commitments, notably to finance public investment or social spending.

Chamberline Moko