Burkina faso: The sales point of the Economat of the Defense and Security Forces (EFDS) was officially opened Thursday in Tenkodogo, in the NakambE region. The ceremony, held in the presence of administrative, military, and paramilitary authorities, marks a significant step in strengthening social support for the Combatant Forces.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the opening ceremony was presided over by the Secretary General of the NakambE region, TassErE Nacoulma, who invited those present to observe a minute of silence in memory of the sons and daughters of Burkina Faso who fell on the field of honor in defense of the homeland. Mr. Nacoulma emphasized that the establishment of the supply depot in Tenkodogo reflects the commitment of the highest authorities in the country to strengthening national solidarity with the Defense and Security Forces (FDS), who are engaged day and night in protecting territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of the population.
Established by the Council of Ministers at its meeting of March 12, 2025, and officially launched on December 22, 2025, the Supply Corps of the Defense and Security Forces is a state-run public institution with an economic focus. It operates under the supervision of six ministries and is structured around a Board of Directors and a Directorate General, with regional offices slated for gradual deployment throughout the country. The successor to the Army Supply Corps, which existed between 1981 and 1990, the Supply Corps now extends its services to all Defense and Security Forces, including the National Army, the National Police, Customs, the Water and Forestry Service, the Penitentiary Security Guard, and the Municipal Police.
According to the EFDS communications officer, Police Captain StEphane Wango, the Economat's mission is to provide consumer food products and various goods at social prices, for the benefit of FDS personnel, their families, and military and paramilitary training structures. Currently, rice is the only product available at the Tenkodogo sales point, located on the main road through the city of December 11th, not far from the urban health center No. 3. Other products, such as sugar, oil, pasta, sardines, as well as household appliances and motorcycles, will be made available to beneficiaries gradually.
Payment is primarily electronic, using a dedicated card called "EcoCard," with the option of mobile money payments. Purchases of consumer goods are capped monthly to prevent overstocking and illegal resale, a measure reinforced by management software and a product traceability system. The Secretary General of the NakambE region welcomed the establishment of the Economat in Tenkodogo, emphasizing that beyond its social mission, the initiative will contribute to national socio-economic development through the promotion of local products and the enhancement of national expertise.
He invited the Defense and Security Forces, as well as all stakeholders in the region, to embrace this sales outlet to ensure its success and sustainability. The opening of the sales point of the Defense and Security Forces Supply Corps in Tenkodogo thus appears as a concrete response to the social concerns of the FDS, while also contributing to strengthening the morale of the troops engaged in the defense of the homeland.