Despite an international environment marked by geopolitical tensions and rising costs in certain areas, Burkina Faso’s economy continues to grow. The country’s growth is expected to reach 5.7% in 2026, compared with 5.3% in 2025, according to the August 2026 Economic Outlook Report from the Directorate General of Economy and Planning (DGEP).
This momentum is mainly driven by two sectors: agriculture and mining activity, with a particularly significant contribution from gold production.
Gold Production Continues to Rise
The gold sector confirms its central role in Burkina Faso’s economy. At the end of July 2026, industrial gold production stood at 31.857 tonnes, up 12.8% year-on-year.
Growth accelerated notably in July. With 5.105 tonnes produced during the month, production increased by 27.4% compared with July 2025.
This performance is directly reflected in the country’s trade.
Gold Accounts for Nearly 94% of Exports
At the end of July 2026, exports of goods reached CFAF 5,418.4 billion, an increase of 61.4% year-on-year.
Gold alone accounted for 93.8% of the total value of exports, compared with 88.1% a year earlier. This strong increase enabled Burkina Faso to post a trade surplus of CFAF 2,639.1 billion, while the export coverage ratio of imports reached 195%.
However, these figures illustrate a major reality: the country’s external economy remains heavily concentrated on mineral resources.
Processed products account for only 1.5% of exports, highlighting the importance of the challenge of diversification and local processing of raw materials.
Food Prices Decline
On the domestic market, several indicators also show a favorable trend. In July 2026, the price per kilogram of white maize fell by 39.8% year-on-year. White sorghum recorded a 30% decline, while local millet fell by 28.7%.
The price per kilogram of cowpeas stood at CFAF 426, down 31.4% year-on-year.
This trend is a positive signal for households, particularly in a context where the cost of living remains an important issue for economies in the region.
Public Revenues Increase
Public finances are also showing improvement. At the end of July, mobilized revenues reached CFAF 2,527.9 billion, up 19.2% year-on-year.
Tax revenues alone amounted to CFAF 2,120.2 billion, confirming the increase in resources mobilized by the government.
The microfinance sector is also showing a favorable trend. Savings increased by 25.2% year-on-year to reach CFAF 659.1 billion, while outstanding loans stood at CFAF 474.6 billion.
Another positive indicator: the non-performing loan ratio fell to 6.83%, compared with 7.27% in the previous quarter.
The Diversification Challenge Remains
Overall, the indicators available at the end of July 2026 reflect positive momentum in Burkina Faso’s economy. The increase in gold production, higher public revenues, falling prices for several food products and rising savings point to favorable developments on several fronts.
But behind these performances also lies a major challenge: reducing dependence on mineral products and increasing local processing.
With nearly 94% of exports concentrated on gold, Burkina Faso will need to continue its efforts to diversify its productive base, develop local value chains and better leverage its agricultural and mineral resources.
Growth in 2026 therefore confirms encouraging momentum, but its sustainability will largely depend on the country’s ability to transform this performance into a more diversified and value-creating economy.