Burkina Faso has approved an ambitious energy investment programme worth 249.32 billion FCFA, approximately 447 million dollars, aimed at delivering universal access to modern, reliable and affordable energy services by 2030. The decision was adopted during the Council of Ministers meeting held on 19 February and reflects the government’s intention to accelerate reforms and infrastructure upgrades across the power sector.
The programme, prepared by the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Quarries, sets out a structured portfolio of priority projects backed by a blended financing model that combines public funding, private sector investment and support from institutional partners. According to official statements, the plan is designed not only to expand access to electricity but also to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the national grid.
A central pillar of the programme is the reinforcement of transmission and distribution infrastructure. The authorities plan to construct high voltage substations, including 330 over 90 over 33 kilovolt and 225 over 33 kilovolt transformer facilities, to support the Société nationale d’électricité du Burkina. These upgrades are intended to secure supply, reduce technical losses and accommodate rising electricity demand in major urban centres and industrial zones. With energy consumption increasing steadily, particularly in Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso, strengthening grid stability has become an urgent priority.
The second operational axis focuses on promoting electricity generation from low carbon sources. Burkina Faso remains heavily dependent on thermal generation and energy imports, exposing the country to fluctuations in global fossil fuel prices and supply risks. The new plan therefore seeks to diversify the energy mix by expanding renewable capacity and supporting low emission projects. Solar energy is expected to play a prominent role given the country’s high irradiation levels and its previous investments in photovoltaic plants. By encouraging cleaner production, the government aims to align with international climate commitments while reducing long term operating costs.
Improving equitable access to electricity forms the third strategic objective. The programme prioritises new connections for vulnerable households in peri urban areas, particularly on the outskirts of Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso. Extending the grid to underserved communities is seen as critical for reducing poverty, enabling income generating activities and strengthening access to social services such as healthcare and education. Authorities argue that expanding household connectivity will stimulate local entrepreneurship and improve living standards in fast growing neighbourhoods.
The fourth component addresses institutional capacity. The government plans to reinforce the Bureau des Mines et de la Géologie du Burkina to improve governance in the extractive sector and enhance geological data management. Strengthening this agency is expected to support better coordination between mining development and national energy planning, particularly as mining remains one of the country’s largest electricity consumers.
Financing for the 249.32 billion FCFA programme will be mobilised through a mix of national budget allocations, contributions from the state utility, investments by private promoters and support from technical and financial partners. The authorities have indicated that project implementation is scheduled to begin in 2026, with phased rollouts aligned to available funding and construction capacity.
Burkina Faso’s push for universal energy access comes at a time when many Sahelian states are grappling with security challenges and fiscal constraints. Reliable electricity is widely viewed as a cornerstone of economic resilience, especially in fragile contexts where improved infrastructure can help stabilise communities and attract investment. Access to affordable power is also central to industrialisation efforts and to the development of small and medium enterprises.
Energy sector observers note that successful implementation will depend on effective project management, timely mobilisation of funds and careful coordination between public and private stakeholders. While the financial commitment signals political will, the complexity of grid expansion and renewable deployment requires sustained technical oversight and regulatory clarity.
If executed as planned, the investment could significantly raise electrification rates and modernise Burkina Faso’s power infrastructure by the end of the decade. The programme positions energy not only as a development objective but also as a strategic lever for economic transformation, climate alignment and social inclusion in one of West Africa’s most challenging operating environments.
TotalEnergies advances plans for Namibia offshore oil development
