Burkina Faso secures additional world bank funding for human capital development

OUAGADOUGOU, November 22, 2025 – The Government of Burkina Faso and the World Bank have formalized an additional credit agreement, allocating $100.4 million to bolster the Human Capital Protection Project. This funding specifically targets the sustained delivery of essential social services across Burkina Faso.

These crucial resources are earmarked to solidify free healthcare access for women and children, enhance routine immunization programs, facilitate the execution of national examinations, and support teacher training initiatives. These interventions are fundamental for safeguarding human capital and shielding the most susceptible segments of the population.

Since its initial endorsement in September 2024, the project has achieved notable successes. Within the health sector, it has facilitated over 16 million free consultations for women and children under the age of five, alongside the immunization of 1.13 million children. Furthermore, the reimbursement rate for expenses associated with free healthcare services has seen improvement, climbing from 75% in 2023 to 82% by the close of 2024.

In the education domain, the project has been instrumental in coordinating nine national examinations, achieving an impressive 98% participation rate. It has also supported the certification of 99.8% of educators and overseen the distribution of 69,000 educational kits.

“The pivotal role of human capital in national development is undeniable. This supplementary financing will undoubtedly bolster the Government’s ongoing endeavors to safeguard and enhance this vital asset, which is indispensable for Burkina Faso’s economic expansion and social advancement,” affirmed Hamoud Abdel Wedoud Kamil, the World Bank’s Resident Representative for Burkina Faso.

The Human Capital Protection Project, backed by the International Development Association (IDA), perfectly aligns with the World Bank’s regional strategy for West and Central Africa (2021–2025), which focuses on strengthening fundamental service delivery institutions. Moreover, it is fully consistent with Burkina Faso’s Country Partnership Framework.

“This additional funding is crucial for solidifying achievements in the education and health sectors, which have been significantly impacted by the security crisis. It will ensure that all populations, including internally displaced persons, continue to have improved access to fundamental social services,” stated Ousmane Deme, Senior Public Sector Specialist, and Daniel Pajank, Senior Economist, both serving as project managers at the World Bank.