OUAGADOUGOU — Business figures from Burkina Faso and Russia are gearing up for a significant meeting in Moscow, as they prepare for the first Economic Affairs of Burkina Faso (JEB) in Russia, slated for October 11 to 18, 2024.

According to Burkina Information Agency, president of the Russo-Burkinabe business and friendship club, preparations were discussed in a meeting yesterday in Ouagadougou to fine-tune the forthcoming economic forum. Entrepreneurs from Burkina Faso engaged via videoconference with their Russian counterparts, outlining potential areas of interest and cooperation to optimize the upcoming event. The dialogue focused on pinpointing sectors of the Russian market that would benefit Burkinabe businesses and vice versa.

The JEB, initiated in 2001, plays a pivotal role in bolstering Burkina Faso's international relations and economic growth by facilitating B2B interactions. This year’s edition in Moscow marks a significant milestone, given the series of successful economic days previously hosted in countries like Ghana, Senegal, Benin, France, Canada, South Korea, and Austria. The decision to choose Russia for this year’s event was taken by the Burkinabe government in March 2024.

The round table discussions not only enabled the establishment of new business contacts but also allowed Russian investors to assess investment opportunities in Burkina Faso. Dr. Ouédraogo emphasized the importance of such forums in reviving and promoting Burkina Faso’s economic interests globally.

Plans are also underway for another round table in Bobo-Dioulasso, aiming to mobilize more participants from Burkina Faso for the Moscow event. Dr. Ouédraogo concluded with a call to his country’s economic operators to leverage this platform for building lasting business and friendship ties with the Russian business community.