• Burkina Faso plans fund to support senior entrepreneurship and economic activity
  

• Proposed support includes micro-loans, rural projects, and technical assistance
  

• Government also reviewing pensions, healthcare access, and senior representation
  

Burkina Faso is considering creating a dedicated fund to support senior entrepreneurship, Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean-Emmanuel Ouédraogo said on Wednesday during a delayed commemoration of the 35th International Day of Older Persons.

He said the fund is one of several measures the government will review, with the aim of creating conditions that better support seniors’ participation in economic life. The prime minister noted that older people remain active in many sectors, contributing to the economy, helping resolve community disputes, supporting local security efforts, and playing a central role in transmitting knowledge and preserving social cohesion.

“Seniors remain engaged on all fronts. They are a real asset to our country. Beyond our duty to protect them, we must also create a framework and the right support systems to ensure they can stay active in the economy,” Ouédraogo said.

The proposed fund would help seniors develop income-generating activities. Support could include tailored loans, technical assistance for running micro-enterprises, financing for small projects, especially in rural areas where most seniors live, and links to local development programs so older people can benefit from existing public support.

The prime minister stressed the need for policies that keep older people economically active. According to the 2019 census, Burkina Faso has 1,031,984 people aged 60 or older, representing 5.03% of the population; 77.58% live in rural areas and 52.97% are women. Details on the size of the fund, how it will be financed, and eligibility criteria are expected to be outlined in upcoming work.

The government is also reviewing other measures, including increasing senior representation in decision-making bodies and operationalizing healthcare facilities for older people in several regions. It noted that some initiatives are already in place, such as a 90% reduction in healthcare costs for retired civil servants. A universal pension for people aged 80 and over is also being studied to provide minimum income for those without social protection. Authorities say they want older people to be treated with dignity across public services and recognized for their role in society.

Chamberline Moko

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