Burkina Faso – Modernization of Bobo-Dioulasso International Airport: Minister of State Emile Zerbo welcomes the progress of the work and demands adherence to deadlines

Under the leadership of the President of Burkina Faso, Head of State, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the Government is continuing its policy of modernizing strategic infrastructure to strengthen mobility, stimulate the national economy, and enhance Burkina Faso’s attractiveness. It is within this framework that the Minister of State, Minister of Territorial Administration and Mobility, Emile Zerbo, conducted a site visit to Bobo-Dioulasso International Airport on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. This field visit allowed him to observe the progress of the modernization work on this strategic infrastructure, to review the project’s status with the technical teams, and to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to meeting deadlines and quality standards.

Led by the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Mobility (MATM) and implemented by the Société des Aéroports du Faso (SAFA), this project, representing an investment of approximately 79 billion CFA francs, demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to providing Burkina Faso with modern airport infrastructure that meets international standards. The aim is to strengthen connectivity across the country, increase its economic competitiveness, and establish Bobo-Dioulasso as a true regional hub for mobility, business, and investment.

The project includes the construction of a new terminal capable of handling at least 1.5 million passengers annually, the rehabilitation of the runway and taxiways, the construction of a parallel road, the installation of a photovoltaic solar power plant, the rehabilitation and expansion of cargo facilities, and the development of several roads within the city of Bobo-Dioulasso.

The technical presentation given to the Minister of State, Comrade Emile Zerbo, highlighted the progress of work on all components of the project. As of August 5, 2026, the overall physical completion rate was 17.23%, with 35.46% of the contractual timeframe elapsed.

More than 500 workers are currently mobilized on the construction site, where the structural work for the future terminal, the rehabilitation of aeronautical infrastructure, road excavation, and various other planned improvements are continuing. Technical inspections have confirmed that the works meet quality requirements.
Aware of the importance of meeting deadlines, the companies in charge of the work have strengthened their operational procedures. Teams are now working continuously, day and night, to accelerate the pace of execution while maintaining the required quality standards. On behalf of the BUCG-AMP consortium, the Project Director, Mr. LI, reaffirmed the companies’ commitment to delivering works that comply with the technical specifications. He assured them that all measures are being taken to guarantee a regular supply of materials, increase the number of qualified personnel, and ensure rigorous execution of the work.

Following the visit, the Minister of State, Comrade Emile ZERBO, expressed his satisfaction with the progress observed on the ground. While commending the professionalism of the technical teams and the efforts made to overcome the challenges encountered, he reiterated that the Government attaches particular importance to respecting contractual commitments.
The Director General of the Société des Aéroports du Faso (SAFA), Comrade Malegdibkièta Saturnin Théophile BIKYENGA, for his part, expressed his gratitude to the highest authorities for their continued support. “This project marks a significant step in the development of national airport infrastructure and aligns with the vision of the President of Burkina Faso, Head of State, Comrade Captain Ibrahim Traoré, to make Burkina Faso a modern and competitive mobility hub,” he stated.
Discussions also focused on the second phase of the project, dedicated to the development of non-aeronautical infrastructure. Estimated to cost 200 billion CFA francs, this phase includes the construction of an international-standard hotel, a convention center, a tourist complex, an aeronautical medical center, and an internal mobility network. Ultimately, this new phase aims to transform the Bobo-Dioulasso airport into a true sub-regional hub, creating value, jobs, and economic opportunities for Burkina Faso.

By reaffirming his determination to ensure rigorous monitoring of major structuring projects, the Minister of State, Minister of Territorial Administration and Mobility, Comrade Emile ZERBO, reiterated the Government’s commitment to bringing this major transformation to a successful conclusion, for the benefit of mobility, the