OUAGADOUGOU — The Burkinabe government has officially committed to enhancing rural electrification, setting an ambitious goal to achieve a 50% electrification rate by 2028. This initiative, detailed in a decree adopted on Wednesday, aims to bridge the current gap between urban and rural access to electricity.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the decree introduces several key changes, including the suspension of new electricity cooperatives without concessions and the assignment of concessions to the private sector. This strategic shift is designed to attract substantial private investment into rural electrification. Additionally, existing electricity cooperatives that lack concessions or exhibit inefficient management will have their areas transferred to SONABEL, the national electricity company, for better administration.

This comprehensive rural electrification strategy represents a significant step towards modernizing infrastructure across Burkina Faso’s less developed areas, promising enhanced economic opportunities and improved quality of life for rural communities.