• Burkina Faso and Turkey are discussing new projects to strengthen their partnership.
• Trade between the two countries fell to $102.4 million in 2024, down from $127.6 million in 2022.
• Burkina Faso is looking for international support to boost investment in key sectors like health and education.

Burkina Faso is working to expand its cooperation with Turkey through new bilateral projects. This was the focus of a meeting on March 28 between Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, and Turkey’s Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Nilgün Erdem Ari.

In an April 1 statement, Burkina Faso’s government said the talks aimed to “further strengthen their cooperation.” The two countries plan to hold bilateral meetings to discuss shared interests and explore projects that would benefit both sides.

The discussions covered various aspects of the partnership, including trade, economic collaboration, education, and healthcare. Burkina Faso’s participation in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, a major international event on global affairs, was also brought up during the meeting.

Trade between Burkina Faso and Turkey reached $102.4 million in 2024, according to the International Trade Centre (ITC). This represents a continued decline from $127.6 million in 2022 and $110.5 million in 2023. By developing new joint projects, the two countries hope to strengthen economic ties, increase investment, and expand trade in multiple sectors.

Burkina Faso faces economic challenges, with limited diversification and key sectors like health and education struggling due to ongoing crises. The country has a poverty rate close to 40% and ranks 185th out of 193 in the UNDP’s 2023-2024 Human Development Index. To address these issues, the government is seeking investment and partnerships to fund social programs and development initiatives.

In 2023, Burkina Faso allocated CFA7,673.3 billion ($12.8 billion) to its Stabilization and Development Action Plan (PASD). The initiative aims to combat terrorism, manage the humanitarian crisis, and strengthen national unity. While 40% of the program is funded through domestic resources, additional external support is needed. In response, Burkina Faso has been expanding its economic and financial partnerships while introducing reforms to improve revenue collection and ensure better public fund management.

Since 2012, Burkina Faso and Turkey have steadily strengthened their relationship. Beyond trade, their cooperation includes defense agreements and academic partnerships, further reinforcing their diplomatic and economic ties.

Ingrid Haffiny (intern)