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Burkina Faso’s transitional government has announced that large companies operating in the country will be required to establish their headquarters domestically, officials said.
The policy, approved during a Council of Ministers meeting on Thursday, February 12, targets firms with average annual revenues of at least 5 billion CFA francs (around $8.8 million) over the previous three fiscal years.
Authorities said the measure is part of an effort to strengthen economic sovereignty and reinforce corporate presence on Burkinabé soil.
Companies are classified into four categories by turnover. Firms in the highest bracket, with revenues of 100 billion CFA francs or more, must construct headquarters of at least seven stories (R+7), including underground and surface parking, while meeting energy efficiency standards.
Lower-revenue companies are required to build facilities of three to five stories with similar specifications.
Affected firms have six months to submit plans to a government commission for review and approval. Once approved, construction must be completed within 36 months.
The government said it will offer support to ease compliance, including exemptions on construction materials and access to serviced land through the National Urban Land Development Company (SONATUR).
Officials said the policy aims to promote urban development, increase employment, and boost tax revenues by anchoring economic actors more firmly in Burkina Faso.
Analysts say the initiative aligns with President Ibrahim Traoré’s broader economic agenda, which emphasises national control over strategic sectors. Some observers, however, have warned that it could increase costs for foreign investors and affect the business climate.
