Burkina Faso’s economy demonstrated strong resilience in 2025 despite ongoing security challenges, with real GDP growth increasing to 5.3%, up from 4.8% in 2024, according to the latest Burkina Faso Economic Update released by the World Bank. Real GDP per capita also improved from 2.5% to 3%, reflecting steady economic progress.
The report highlights that the country’s economic growth was driven by strong agricultural performance supported by favorable weather conditions, improvements in the services sector due to a better security environment, and continued expansion of the mining industry following the implementation of a new Mining Code and the formalization of artisanal mining activities.
Burkina Faso also recorded a significant decline in inflation, which fell to -0.5% in 2025 from 4.2% in 2024, largely due to lower energy prices and increased agricultural production that reduced food costs. As a result, extreme poverty declined by five percentage points, marking the largest reduction since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite these positive developments, the World Bank emphasizes that long-term prosperity will depend on ambitious structural reforms aimed at creating productive jobs, strengthening fiscal sustainability, and expanding economic opportunities. The report recommends improving tax administration through digital systems, simplifying tax compliance for small businesses, and strengthening public financial management to create more space for productive investments.
With a rapidly growing young population and increasing urbanization, the report also highlights the urgent need to expand employment opportunities. Recommended measures include investing in urban planning, developing serviced industrial zones, implementing labor-intensive public works programs, and promoting digital employment platforms to help young people access jobs while supporting the economic reintegration of internally displaced populations.
The report further underscores the importance of increasing women’s economic participation as a key driver of sustainable growth. Although progress has been made in girls’ education, women continue to face barriers to employment, access to finance, land ownership, and productive resources. The World Bank recommends expanding access to education and vocational training, improving financial inclusion, strengthening women’s land rights, and implementing policies that address gender inequality and restrictive social norms.
According to the World Bank, sustained reforms that promote inclusive growth, improve the business environment, and generate quality employment will be essential for transforming Burkina Faso’s recent economic resilience into lasting development and greater opportunities for its citizens.
