OUAGADOUGOU — The Agency for the Promotion of Community Entrepreneurship (APEC) has successfully mobilized nearly 17 billion FCFA through popular shareholding to fund local projects within a year, announced Karim Traoré, the agency’s Director General.

According to Burkina Information Agency, since the initiative's launch by Head of State Captain Ibrahim Traoré on June 12, 2023, the funds have been invested in significant community projects, including a tomato processing factory in Bobo-Dioulasso which is nearing completion. "The factory is 93% complete, with equipment already on site and assembly underway," he noted. This initiative also encompasses APEC’s 40% stake in another tomato processing factory, Faso Tomate, in Yako, set to commence production in July. Furthermore, Traoré highlighted the planned construction of a semi-mechanized gold production factory in Gaoua, aiming to encourage further investment in community-led projects. "This model of financing allows the Burkinabè people to generate and share wealth from their own resources," he explained.