OUAGADOUGOU, November 22, 2025 – The Government of Burkina Faso and the World Bank have formalized a credit agreement, channeling an additional 100.4 million dollars towards bolstering the nation’s Human Capital Protection Project. This crucial funding specifically targets the sustained delivery of fundamental social services across Burkina Faso.
These newly allocated resources are poised to reinforce the existing policy of free healthcare for women and children, enhance routine immunization programs, facilitate the administration of national examinations, and support teacher training initiatives. These interventions are deemed vital for safeguarding the country’s human capital and extending protection to its most vulnerable citizens.
Since its initial launch in September 2024, the project has already yielded considerable positive outcomes. Within the health sector, it has enabled 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 shown marked improvement, 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 teachers and facilitated the distribution of 69,000 educational kits.
“The undeniable contribution of human capital to a nation’s development is well-established. This supplementary financing will undoubtedly amplify the Government’s endeavors to preserve and cultivate this essential asset, which is fundamental for Burkina Faso’s economic growth and social advancement,” affirmed Hamoud Abdel Wedoud Kamil, the World Bank’s Resident Representative for Burkina Faso.
The Human Capital Protection Project, funded through the International Development Association (IDA), aligns seamlessly with the World Bank’s regional strategy for West and Central Africa (2021–2025), which emphasizes strengthening key institutions responsible for service delivery. It is also fully consistent with Burkina Faso’s Country Partnership Framework.
“This additional funding is pivotal for consolidating 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 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 project leaders at the World Bank.