OUAGADOUGOU — Burkina Faso has secured $300 million in financing for the construction of its largest-ever power plant, a major step aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on imported electricity and expanding access to reliable energy.
The project will see Turkish energy company Aksa Enerji develop a 119-megawatt thermal power plant, which is expected to begin operations in 2027. The facility will become one of Burkina Faso’s biggest domestic electricity generation projects and is designed to strengthen national energy independence.
Once operational, the plant is expected to reduce Burkina Faso’s electricity imports by more than 50%, easing pressure on the country’s power supply system and lowering vulnerability to regional energy disruptions.
Burkina Faso currently relies heavily on electricity imports from neighboring countries to meet domestic demand. Limited generation capacity and unreliable supply have remained major obstacles to economic growth, industrial expansion, and private-sector development.
The government has identified energy access as a key priority, with only around 20% of the population currently connected to electricity services. Millions of people, particularly in rural areas, continue to face limited or no access to reliable power.
Officials say the new plant will help support businesses, improve public services, and create better conditions for investment by providing a more stable electricity supply. The project is also expected to contribute to industrial development, including manufacturing, mining, and small- and medium-sized enterprises.
The investment comes as Burkina Faso seeks to accelerate infrastructure development and reduce dependence on external energy sources. The country has been pursuing new partnerships with foreign investors as part of broader efforts to strengthen economic resilience.
Energy analysts say expanding domestic electricity production will be critical for Burkina Faso’s long-term development, especially as demand continues to rise due to population growth and increasing economic activity.
The power project represents one of the largest energy investments in Burkina Faso’s history and is expected to play a central role in the country’s strategy to improve energy security and expand electricity access.
