Burkina Faso
As part of its international cooperation in Burkina Faso, the SDC focuses on three priority areas to combat poverty: governance and democracy, basic education and vocational training, and macroeconomic support and local economic development. Since 2019, it has also provided humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable populations and contributed to efforts promoting social cohesion and peace.
Burkina Faso
Despite relatively sustained economic growth driven by gold and cotton exports, Burkina Faso remains one of the poorest countries in the world. The majority of the population live in rural areas and rely on subsistence smallholder farming. Since 2020, the country has experienced a sharp rise in violence due to attacks by violent extremist groups, further destabilising the political situation and worsening living conditions for its people. In 2022, Burkina Faso experienced two military coups. The military transition period, initially set for 24 months, was extended by an additional five years in May 2024. Against this backdrop, Switzerland is adapting its projects to preserve development gains, reduce the suffering of the population, and facilitate conflict management, with the aim of resolving the crisis.
Governance and democracy
Switzerland is engaged in capacity building at the local level, focusing on governance, decentralisation and citizenship. It supports the development and management of infrastructure and promotes the establishment of sustainable, high-quality public services. Over the past four years, Swiss support has facilitated the construction of infrastructure benefiting nearly two million people, which has stimulated the development of a local workforce. Switzerland is also strengthening the capacity of civil society organisations to monitor and influence public policy, promote accountability and combat gender inequality. Its support for the media, including 38 local radio stations covering 75% of the country, enhances the production and dissemination of high-quality information on issues related to young people, gender, good governance, and the peaceful transfer of power.
Basic education and vocational and professional training
Switzerland supports a range of initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education, including:
- Teacher training;
- Developing teaching materials;
- Creating alternative education pathways for children and young adults who have been unable to access formal schooling;
- Providing vocational and professional education and training (in collaboration with professional associations, the private sector, and regional public services);
- Ensuring displaced children affected by insecurity can continue their education.
Over the past four years, Swiss support has allowed 15,000 young people who were forced to interrupt their schooling to resume their basic education and vocational and professional training in agriculture, forestry, and animal husbandry. Since 2017, it has provided a safe learning environment for approximately 875,000 children displaced by insecurity and forced to leave their villages.
Local economic development
To increase farmers’ incomes and create jobs, Switzerland is supporting the modernisation of smallholder farms in promising sectors such as market gardening, rice cultivation, livestock farming, and non-timber forest products. Improved production, processing, and marketing of agricultural products boost the profitability of smallholder farms and strengthen food security. Over the past four years, Swiss support has directly increased the earning potential of nearly 625,000 economically active individuals, 60% of whom are women. Swiss support for farmers’ organisations has also strengthened their negotiating skills, enabling them to influence national policies.
Approach and main partners
Switzerland has been represented in Burkina Faso by the SDC since 1974. The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) has provided general budgetary support and technical assistance for the government’s economic efforts since 1994. To effectively address the challenges facing the country, Switzerland coherently combines its humanitarian interventions and development programmes to promote peace and social cohesion.
Switzerland’s main partners in Burkina Faso are:
- National partners: government institutions;
- Local and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs);
- Bilateral and multilateral partners.
Stories
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Contact
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