• Burkina Faso’s Mining Development Fund raised CFA85.72 billion ($152 million) in 2025.

• Authorities allocated 59% of the funds to the Patriotic Support Fund and 41% to local development projects.

• Higher gold prices and the inclusion of semi-mechanized mining operations boosted revenues in the second half of the year.

Burkina Faso mobilized CFA85.72 billion ($152 million) through the Mining Development Fund (FMD) in 2025. The National Technical Commission for Mines and the FMD presented the results on March 5 in Ouagadougou, according to official figures. The fund collected CFA35.10 billion during the first half of 2025.

Authorities allocated 58% of these resources to the Patriotic Support Fund (FSP) and directed the remaining share toward endogenous development projects and municipal development plans.

The fund generated stronger revenue in the second half of the year. Authorities collected CFA50.62 billion during the second half of 2025. They allocated 60% of these funds to the Patriotic Support Fund and 40% to local development initiatives.

Over the full year, authorities directed 59% of total resources, equivalent to CFA50.83 billion, to the FSP, while they allocated 41% to local initiatives.

The Ministry of Mines and Quarries of Burkina Faso explained the revenue increase.

“The predominance of revenues in the second half over the first half is due, among other factors, to the attractive price of the gold ounce observed from September 2025 and the inclusion of contributions from semi-mechanized mining operations in the FMD during the second half of 2025,” the ministry said in a statement.

A Mechanism for Redistributing Mining Revenues

Authorities launched the Mining Development Fund in 2020 as part of a national strategy to redistribute mining revenues to local communities and priority national projects.

Gold remains Burkina Faso’s main export commodity and a key driver of economic growth.

The fund finances municipal development plans and endogenous projects, which help reduce territorial inequalities and support municipalities affected by mining activities. It also contributes to the Patriotic Support Fund, which finances initiatives of national interest.

These initiatives cover social programs, security priorities and infrastructure projects. This dual allocation reflects the government’s objective to maximize the economic benefits of mining resources while supporting both regional development and national strategic priorities. Since its creation, the fund has mobilized more than CFA169 billion between 2020 and 2022, according to data from the Government of Burkina Faso.

This article was initially published in French by Carelle Yourann (intern)

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum