Mid-Year Review Shows Progress in Mining and Power Sectors
Burkina Faso’s Minister of Energy, Mines and Quarries, Yacouba Zabré Gouba, underwent a formal evaluation of his 2026 performance contract on July 25, 2026, covering activities through June 30, 2026. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the ministry achieved an implementation rate of 61.7% during the first half of the year.
The performance contract is built around five specific objectives and six priority orientations, with a focus on accelerating reforms in both the energy and mining sectors. The evaluation, conducted by the Prime Minister’s Office, assessed progress across multiple fronts.
Mining Sector Developments
In the mining sector, nine new artisanal cooperatives were established in various regions. Four artisanal mining corridors were demarcated under the new Mining Code, a move aimed at better organizing activities and promoting coexistence between industrial and artisanal operations.
Control, gold pouring, weighing, and packaging operations continued throughout the period to strengthen monitoring of national production. As of June 30, 2026, industrial mines had produced approximately 26 tonnes of fine gold. Collection from artisanal and semi-mechanized operations, handled by the National Precious Substances Company (SONASP), stood at about 29 tonnes against an annual forecast of 45 tonnes.
The minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to combat fraudulent circuits, improve knowledge of the national mining potential, and develop projects entrusted to the Burkina Faso Mining Participation Company (SOPAMIB).
Energy Sector Progress
On the energy front, national capacities for electricity production, transmission, and distribution were strengthened. Four power plants, including three thermal facilities, were completed with a total capacity of 126.4 megawatts. The Zagtouli solar power plant, with a capacity of 17 megawatts, was also finalized. The Komsilga and Donsin power plants are currently nearing completion.
Minister’s Reaction
Following the evaluation, Minister Gouba described the result as generally satisfactory, crediting the ministry’s staff and all stakeholders in the energy and mining sectors. He noted that the orientations of the Prime Minister would help accelerate projects and strengthen the country’s energy and mining sovereignty.
The evaluation reflects the government’s ongoing use of performance contracts as a management tool to track progress in key ministries. The 61.7% implementation rate at the halfway point of the year suggests that while significant work remains, several major infrastructure and regulatory initiatives are advancing.
Source: DCRP/Primature, as reported by Lefaso.net