The Government of Burkina Faso and the World Bank have formalized a credit agreement for an additional $100.4 million. This crucial financing is allocated to bolster the existing Human Capital Protection Project, specifically targeting the sustained provision of fundamental social services across Burkina Faso.

These resources are set to reinforce vital initiatives, including the provision of free healthcare services for women and children, strengthening routine immunization programs, facilitating the organization of national examinations, and supporting comprehensive teacher training. These interventions are paramount for nurturing human capital and safeguarding the nation’s most vulnerable communities.

Since its initial approval in September 2024, the project has already yielded considerable benefits. Within the health sector, it has enabled over 16 million free consultations for women and children under five, alongside the vaccination of 1.13 million children. Furthermore, the reimbursement rate for expenses related to free healthcare has seen significant improvement, rising from 75% in 2023 to 82% by the close of 2024.

In the education sector, the project has been instrumental in the successful organization of nine national examinations, achieving an impressive 98% participation rate. It has also contributed to the certification of 99.8% of educators and the distribution of 69,000 essential pedagogical kits.

“The undeniable contribution of human capital to a nation’s development is well-established. This supplementary funding will unequivocally enhance the Government’s dedication to preserving and cultivating this capital, a cornerstone for Burkina Faso’s economic advancement and societal progress,” stated Hamoud Abdel Wedoud Kamil, the World Bank’s Resident Representative for Burkina Faso.

The Human Capital Protection Project, backed by the International Development Association (IDA), aligns seamlessly with the World Bank’s regional strategy for West and Central Africa (2021–2025), which focuses on fortifying key institutions for service delivery. It also perfectly complements Burkina Faso’s Country Partnership Framework.

“This additional financing is pivotal for solidifying achievements in both the education and health sectors, which have been severely impacted by the ongoing security crisis. It will ensure that populations, including internally displaced persons, continue to benefit from improved access to essential social services,” remarked Ousmane Deme, Senior Public Sector Specialist, and Daniel Pajank, Senior Economist, both project leaders at the World Bank.

By Mariama Hamani — Analyst