• Burkina Faso and Switzerland begin talks on their next cooperation program for 2026–2029
• The new plan will replace the 2021–2025 program, which carried a budget of 156.5m CHF ($195m)
• Switzerland has supported Burkina Faso since 1961, with priority status since 1976

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Burkina Faso, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, met on September 1 with Stefanie Burri, the new head of the Swiss Cooperation Office in Burkina Faso. The meeting marked Burri’s official introduction to the Burkinabe authorities and opened discussions on the launch of the next cooperation program covering 2026–2029. She said the plan will be designed in line with the government’s priorities.

Details of the new program have not yet been released, but it will follow the 2021–2025 plan. That program focused on four areas: promoting peace, democracy, and human rights; supporting inclusive growth and youth access to basic services; strengthening resilience to climate change; and using digitalization and innovation as drivers of development.

Minister Traoré welcomed the new representative and praised the strength of a bilateral cooperation that has lasted for more than 50 years, built on “realism, listening, dialogue, non-interference, and mutual respect.”

Switzerland and Burkina Faso established official diplomatic ties in 1961, shortly after the country’s independence. Since then, they have maintained steady cooperation through agreements on trade, investment protection, technical assistance, and budget support.

Burkina Faso has been a priority country for Swiss development cooperation since 1976. Programs have mainly targeted education, vocational training, and humanitarian support, especially given the fragile regional context. The 2021–2025 development program had an indicative budget of 156.5 million Swiss francs ($195 million), according to Swiss data.

Switzerland has been stepping up its presence in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on sustainable development, peace, and governance. Its work includes bilateral and regional programs in employment, migration, climate change, and the rule of law.