IMF Commends Burkina Faso’s Economic Resilience, Reaffirms Support
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has commended Burkina Faso for demonstrating economic resilience despite persistent security and humanitarian challenges, citing sound macroeconomic policies and strong export performance as key drivers of growth.
In a statement issued in Ouagadougou at the end of his visit, IMF Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Kenji Okamura, said recent policy measures have helped place public debt on a sustainable path while keeping inflation under control.
“Burkina Faso’s economic resilience amid security and humanitarian challenges is commendable. Sound economic policies and a rapid increase in exports have contributed to growth,” Mr. Okamura noted.
He stressed that sustaining growth and stability would require continued fiscal discipline, particularly through improved domestic resource mobilisation to create fiscal space for social spending. He also underscored the need to strengthen the country’s resilience to commodity price shocks, especially fluctuations in gold and oil prices.
Mr. Okamura welcomed the government’s reform agenda, highlighting initiatives aimed at improving fiscal governance, expanding critical infrastructure and diversifying the economy. He said efforts to enhance the efficiency of public investment, promote digitalisation and encourage innovation would be critical to achieving robust and broad-based growth over the medium term.
The IMF official further noted discussions on policy options to strengthen human capital and reduce external vulnerabilities, stressing that effective implementation would be key to delivering tangible outcomes.
Mr. Okamura expressed gratitude to President Ibrahim Traoré, Minister of Economy and Finance Aboubakar Nacanabo, National Director of the BCEAO Armand Badiel, President of the WAEMU Commission Abdoulaye Diop and other senior officials for what he described as a highly informative visit.
He reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to supporting Burkina Faso, saying the IMF looks forward to deepening its partnership with the country in the years ahead.
