OUAGADOUGOU, November 22, 2025 – The Government of Burkina Faso and the World Bank recently formalized a credit agreement, providing an additional 100.4 million dollars. This substantial funding is earmarked to bolster the Human Capital Protection Project, specifically its component focused on ensuring the continuity of essential basic social services across Burkina Faso.
These vital resources are set to reinforce several key areas: sustaining free healthcare for women and children, enhancing routine immunization programs, facilitating the smooth execution of national examinations, and supporting teacher training initiatives. These interventions are crucial for safeguarding the nation’s human capital and extending protection to its most vulnerable populations.
Since its initial approval in September 2024, the project has already delivered considerable achievements. Within the health sector, it has facilitated over 16 million complimentary consultations for women and children under five years old, 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 end of 2024.
In the education sector, 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 teachers and the distribution of 69,000 educational kits, significantly enhancing learning environments.
“The undeniable impact of human capital on a country’s development is well-established. This supplementary funding will undoubtedly strengthen the Government’s ongoing efforts to safeguard and enhance this invaluable asset, which is fundamental for Burkina Faso’s economic growth and social advancement,” stated Hamoud Abdel Wedoud Kamil, the World Bank’s Resident Representative for Burkina Faso.
The Human Capital Protection Project, financed through the International Development Association (IDA), perfectly aligns with the World Bank’s regional strategy for West and Central Africa (2021–2025), which prioritizes fortifying critical institutions for service delivery. It also seamlessly integrates with Burkina Faso’s Country Partnership Framework.
“This additional financing is pivotal for solidifying the progress made in the education and health sectors, both of which have been significantly impacted by the prevailing security crisis. It will ensure that all citizens, including internally displaced persons, continue to benefit from improved access to fundamental social services,” commented Ousmane Deme, Senior Public Sector Specialist, and Daniel Pajank, Senior Economist, both serving as project leaders at the World Bank.
