Burkina Faso has secured a US$1 billion financing commitment from the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation to support trade, strengthen the private sector and finance key imports under the country’s development agenda.
The framework agreement was signed on June 19 on the sidelines of the annual meetings of the Islamic Development Bank Group, according to official information released by the government.
The financing will be used to support imports of energy products, agricultural inputs, food supplies and pharmaceutical products, while also helping to promote exports of agricultural commodities including cotton and cashew nuts.
Part of the funding package will be directed toward the private sector through dedicated credit lines for local banks aimed at improving access to finance for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Authorities said the agreement aligns with Burkina Faso’s RELANCE 2026-2030 economic and social development program and is intended to stimulate trade and investment flows.
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“The signing of this framework agreement reflects not only the strong cooperation between Burkina Faso and the Islamic Development Bank Group, but also the shared commitment to increase trade and investment flows between Burkina Faso and Arab and African countries,” the Ministry of Economy and Finance said in a statement.
The deal follows a previous financing agreement worth €900 million (US$1.03 billion) signed between Burkina Faso and ITFC in May 2023. Government officials said around 94 percent of that funding has already been allocated to projects supporting national development priorities.
The new commitment comes as Burkina Faso maintains strong external trade performance despite ongoing security challenges.
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The country recorded a trade surplus of CFA928.4 billion (US$1.62 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2025, with exports reaching CFA2.06 trillion, driven largely by shipments of gold, shea butter, cashew nuts and mangoes.
However, exports of sesame and cotton declined significantly compared with the previous year.
SMEs account for approximately 85% of economic activity in Burkina Faso, but many businesses continue to face difficulties accessing credit as security concerns have increased risks for lenders, particularly in conflict-affected regions.
To support economic activity, the Central Bank of West African States eased monetary policy in March 2026, seeking to encourage lending and improve financing conditions across the economy.
ITFC’s cumulative financing portfolio in Burkina Faso now stands at approximately US$3.4 billion, with agriculture and energy remaining the primary sectors benefiting from its support.
The latest agreement is expected to provide additional liquidity for trade-related activities while helping businesses access financing needed to expand operations and contribute to economic growth.
