President Traoré Unveils New Factory
In a significant step towards self-reliance, President Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso inaugurated a state-of-the-art tomato processing plant in Bobo-Dioulasso. Speaking at the event, President Traoré emphasised the factory as a symbol of the country’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development. He lauded the patriotic contributions of Burkinabe citizens and the diaspora in making the project a reality through community entrepreneurship.
A Vision for Economic Sovereignty
President Traoré confidently highlighted Burkina Faso’s resources, affirming the nation’s capability to achieve development and prosperity. He emphasised, “This industrial unit strongly represents our vision of endogenous and inclusive development.” He urged for persistent efforts to build a sovereign and self-reliant Burkina Faso, stressing the critical role of local industries in reducing reliance on imports.
Key Features of the Processing Plant
Located on a three-hectare site, the facility was constructed with an investment of over 5 billion FCFA (approximately $8 million). Equipped to process five tons of tomato concentrate per hour, the plant aims to serve both domestic and export markets. The project is set to create over 100 direct jobs and 5,000 indirect jobs, primarily benefiting tomato farmers and other agricultural workers.
Supporting Local Agriculture
The plant’s operations will provide a stable market for local tomato growers, tackling challenges such as post-harvest losses and fluctuating prices. Hauts-Bassins region Governor Mariama Gnanou reports that Burkina Faso’s tomato production has steadily risen, with around 290,000 tons harvested in 2021. Despite this increase, growers sell most tomatoes raw to foreign buyers, while imported tomato concentrates continue to dominate the domestic
Reducing Import Dependency
The tomato processing plant is part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen local industries and reduce reliance on imports. By producing high-quality tomato concentrate locally, Burkina Faso aims to compete with imported ³, which often come at higher costs and with quality concerns. This initiative aligns with the government’s vision for economic diversification and job creation.
A Step Towards Sustainability
The inauguration of the Bobo-Dioulasso plant marks a turning point in Burkina Faso’s agricultural and industrial sectors. By fostering local production and creating employment opportunities, the facility underscores the potential for a sustainable and prosperous future. President Traoré urged citizens to continue supporting initiatives that prioritise national development and self-reliance.
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