Center-South Populations Urged to Prioritize Local Goods for Economic Boost

MANGA — On Friday, the Secretary General of Zoundwéogo province, Innocent Ouattara, urged the populations of the Center-South region to consume goods and services made in Burkina Faso.

According to a new release by Burkina Information Agency, the call aims to uplift local producers and the economy.

Innocent Ouattara spoke at the opening ceremony of the 4th edition of the Month of Local Consumption (MCL) in Manga. His remarks echoed the message from the Governor of the Center-South region, Yvette Nacoulma. He cited the definition by the UEMOA that local products include all national goods and services, as well as those from UEMOA member countries. Consuming these products, Ouattara said, benefits multiple sectors—primary, secondary, and tertiary—and boosts development.

Guillaume Dofini, the regional director of Industrial Development, Commerce, Crafts, and Small and Medium Enterprises of the Center-South, emphasized that consuming local products over imported goods has added value and positively impacts the economy.

The 4th MCL featured exhibition stands that showcased a range of artisanal products, including food, clothing, and cosmetics. Hermann Zoungrana, the regional president of the Chamber of Trades and Crafts of Burkina Faso, welcomed the event, highlighting its role in helping people discover local potential.

Luc Kazagabou, director of the Manga STRACOPA rice factory, criticized the insufficient application of government orders, like Order No. 2017-002-PM-CAB, which mandates the purchase of local food products by state structures. He called on the government and citizens to focus more on the consumption of local products to benefit the economy.