The Government of Burkina Faso, in partnership with the World Bank, has formalized a credit agreement for an additional $100.4 million. This crucial funding is designated to bolster the Human Capital Protection Project, specifically focusing on sustaining essential basic social services across Burkina Faso.
These resources are set to reinforce several key initiatives: maintaining free healthcare for women and children, strengthening routine immunization efforts, facilitating the organization of national examinations, and supporting vital teacher training programs. These services are paramount for safeguarding human capital and extending protection to the nation’s most vulnerable communities.
Since its initial approval in September 2024, the project has already yielded significant positive outcomes. Within the health sector, it has enabled over 16 million free consultations for women and children under five years old, alongside the successful vaccination of 1.13 million children. Furthermore, the reimbursement rate for free healthcare expenses has shown notable improvement, rising from 75% in 2023 to 82% by the close 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 facilitated the distribution of 69,000 educational kits.
« The indispensable role of human capital in a nation’s development is undeniable. This supplementary financing will undoubtedly amplify the Government’s endeavors to preserve and cultivate this capital, which is a fundamental component 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, backed by the International Development Association (IDA), aligns seamlessly with the World Bank’s regional strategy for West and Central Africa (2021–2025), which aims to fortify key institutions responsible for service delivery. It also aligns perfectly with Burkina Faso’s Country Partnership Framework.
« This additional funding is pivotal for consolidating the progress made in the education and health sectors, which have been severely impacted by the security crisis. It will ensure that populations, including internally displaced persons, continue to benefit from enhanced access to fundamental social services, » explained Ousmane Deme, Senior Public Sector Specialist, and Daniel Pajank, Senior Economist, both project managers at the World Bank.
