Bobo-Dioulasso: Auguste Boudo, the head of the Cashew Nut Processing and Marketing Company (SOPRIAL), has highlighted the significance of the "DUMU KAFA" fund, established by Burkinabe authorities to finance the agro-pastoral sector. "A similar structure had to be created if DUMU KAFA did not exist," he emphasized, underscoring the fund's role in supporting businesses like SOPRIAL.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Boudo praised the government for its vision in creating the DUMU KAFA fund, which has provided his company with 150 million FCFA, enabling them to commence purchases effectively. He acknowledged the long-standing demand for such a financial structure among economic stakeholders, asserting that the DKF fund offers unique financial facilities not provided by other market players.

The DUMU KAFA fund, established in February 2024, provides financing between 100 million FCFA and 500 million FCFA at an interest rate of 5% per year. This initiative offers much-needed support to the processing sector, which is often overlooked by traditional financial institutions due to its seasonal and high-risk nature. Boudo noted that this financial support allowed SOPRIAL to operate smoothly, fulfilling orders with some advance payments and launching campaigns effectively.

Boudo also highlighted the fund's positive impact on employment. During peak season, SOPRIAL employs around 400 people, all earning at least the minimum wage, showcasing the DKF's role in fostering local employment and stabilizing processing units.

The DUMU KAFA fund was designed to address the financing needs of the agro-pastoral and fisheries sectors, providing credit to individuals, businesses and cooperatives, and state-owned entities. Since its inception, several rural organizations have benefited from the fund, which offers financing from 100,000 CFA francs to 500 million CFA francs with a 5% annual interest rate.