OUAGADOUGOU — The government of Burkina Faso has announced the creation of Faso-Rail, a new company that will develop and manage a railway network to connect the provincial capitals. The company, which will be based in Bobo-Dioulasso, is a strategic part of the national plan to enhance regional connectivity and economic growth.

According to Burkina Information Agency, The Minister in charge of industry and trade, Serge Gnaniodem Poda, detailed that the establishment of Faso-Rail aligns with President Ibrahim Traoré’s directive to build a comprehensive railway network across the provinces. The project, which has been funded with an initial capital of 10 billion FCFA, sees 75% ownership by the state and the remainder available to Burkinabè private investors. With a total creation cost of approximately 70 billion FCFA, the company’s development is scheduled to be completed within 18 months. This move marks a significant shift from the current, rudimentary rail infrastructure, which has been largely controlled by foreign private entities.