Bale: The Association of Women in the Mining Sector of Burkina Faso (AFEMIB) organized an information and awareness workshop in Bagassi for 25 women entrepreneurs focusing on local content and the Local Purchasing Exchange (BAL). The workshop aimed to help these women better exploit market opportunities offered by the Roxgold mine.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the workshop was designed to enhance the capacity of women from entrepreneurial cooperatives regarding the national local content strategy and the Local Purchasing Exchange mechanism. This initiative seeks to facilitate the women's integration into Roxgold's supply chains in Bagassi. The participants engaged with trainers and the AFEMIB team after receiving two key communications.

The first module, presented by Roger Zoungrana from SP/CNLPI, covered local content. It helped participants understand concepts such as local procurement exchanges and the relevant regulatory framework. Mr. Zoungrana emphasized the economic opportunities available for local businesses, highlighting a potential market worth 940 billion CFA francs in 2025 with reserved quotas for local suppliers. However, he noted that the Bourse des Achats Locals platform remains underutilized by women entrepreneurs.

Representatives from Soleil Ressources Roxgold led the second presentation. They outlined specific opportunities within the mine, particularly in agri-food supply, catering services, and other areas open to local suppliers. They also highlighted supplier evaluation criteria, including administrative regularity and technical and financial capabilities.

Post-presentation, participants engaged in group work to simulate real-life tender submissions for agri-food and forestry products, as well as catering, beauty, and craft services. This exercise identified the main challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and aided in formulating recommendations to overcome them. Participants expressed satisfaction with the workshop's modules and their impact on their businesses.

AFEMIB representative Rachel Ye/Sawadogo opened the workshop by expressing gratitude to local authorities and partners. She highlighted the economic potential of women and the importance of promoting their involvement in local development.

The president of the Bagassi special delegation reiterated the municipal authorities' commitment to support initiatives empowering women entrepreneurs. He thanked AFEMIB for organizing the workshop and its efforts benefiting Bagassi's youth and women.

The workshop is part of AFEMIB's 2025 Annual Work and Budget Plan, supported financially by PARGFM and technically by SP-CNLPI. The association has organized several sessions on local content and the Local Purchasing Exchange for women entrepreneurs in municipalities affected by mining activities.