Message from the Resident Representative

Welcome to the homepage of JICA Burkina Faso Branch.

Burkina Faso is a landlocked country located in the Sahel region, south of the Sahara Desert. It is a historic country that has prospered for centuries through Trans-Saharan trade as a hub connecting six countries in West Africa. It is also home to the headquarters of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), which plays a key role in promoting regional economic integration. The name “Burkina Faso” means “the Land of Upright People.” Derived from different local languages, it reflects a commitment to unity among people of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The people of Burkina Faso are known for their diligence, peaceful nature, and respect for order and courtesy. Rich in cultural heritage and traditions, Burkina Faso is a country of great appeal and warmth.

While building on these assets, Burkina Faso continues pursue its development efforts despite difficult climatic conditions and a challenging security situation. In this context, strengthening peace and stability is essential to enable communities to build prosperous and resilient futures.

Against this backdrop, JICA will continue to implement its cooperation in the three areas outlined below, which reflect the country’s realities and needs, while contributing to efforts to strengthen peace and stability in Burkina Faso and throughout the Sahel region.

Agriculture and livestock farming are key sectors in Burkina Faso, providing livelihoods for more than 60% of the population. Under challenging natural conditions, including erratic rainfall and the effects of climate change, JICA promotes efforts to enhance agricultural productivity, improve farmers' incomes, and address nutrition through agriculture. JICA also contributes to economic revitalization by supporting the value addition of agricultural products.

Burkina Faso continues to experience population growth, making it increasingly important to expand access to basic education, particularly at the primary and secondary levels, and to improve the quality of education. JICA supports the improvement of learning environments and the capacity development of education stakeholders, while fostering stronger collaboration between schools and local communities to support children's learning.

As a landlocked country, economic linkages with neighboring countries, particularly in the areas of logistics and energy, are key to Burkina Faso's sustainable development. Regional infrastructure, including transport and energy networks, forms a foundation for economic development. JICA supports efforts to strengthen such connectivity in cooperation with neighboring countries.

JICA promotes support for internally displaced persons and other vulnerable populations through close collaboration with the central and local governments and international organizations. Through these efforts, JICA contributes to building a society in which people can live in safety and dignity.

Japan is one of the few countries that has overcome the devastation of war and achieved development. Drawing on this experience, JICA seeks to support Burkina Faso in addressing the challenges it faces, while contributing to the development of the country and the wider region, as well as to peace in the international community.