OUAGADOUGOU – On November 22, 2025, the Government of Burkina Faso and the World Bank formalized a credit agreement, providing an additional 100.4 million dollars. This significant funding is allocated to bolster the existing Human Capital Protection Project, specifically targeting the sustained provision of fundamental social services across Burkina Faso.
These newly secured resources are poised to fortify critical initiatives, including the continued provision of free healthcare services for women and children, the enhancement of routine immunization programs, the efficient administration of national examinations, and robust support for teacher training. These interventions are deemed indispensable for safeguarding human capital and extending protection to the nation’s most vulnerable communities.
Since its initial endorsement in September 2024, the project has already demonstrated substantial progress. Within the health sector, it has facilitated over 16 million complimentary consultations for women and children under five, alongside the successful vaccination of 1.13 million children. Furthermore, the reimbursement rate for expenses related to free healthcare services has notably improved, climbing from 75% in 2023 to 82% by the close of 2024.
In the realm of education, the project has been instrumental in organizing 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 impact of human capital on a nation’s progress is well-established. This supplementary financing will undoubtedly amplify the Government’s endeavors to preserve and cultivate this vital asset, which is fundamental to Burkina Faso’s economic growth and social advancement,” affirmed Hamoud Abdel Wedoud Kamil, the World Bank’s Resident Representative in Burkina Faso.
The Human Capital Protection Project, financed by the International Development Association (IDA), aligns seamlessly with the World Bank’s regional strategy for West and Central Africa (2021–2025), which prioritizes strengthening key institutions for service delivery. It also harmonizes with Burkina Faso’s Country Partnership Framework.
“This crucial additional financing is pivotal for cementing the gains made in the education and health sectors, which have been severely impacted by the security crisis. It will ensure that all populations, including internally displaced persons, continue to benefit from enhanced access to essential social services,” stated Ousmane Deme, Senior Public Sector Specialist, and Daniel Pajank, Senior Economist, both serving as project managers at the World Bank.