OUAGADOUGOU, November 22, 2025 – The Government of Burkina Faso and the World Bank have formalized a credit agreement for an additional $100.4 million. This substantial funding is earmarked to bolster the Human Capital Protection Project, specifically its component focused on ensuring the uninterrupted provision of essential social services across Burkina Faso.

These crucial resources are set to solidify free healthcare access for women and children, enhance routine vaccination programs, guarantee the successful organization of national examinations, and support ongoing teacher training initiatives. These are all vital services designed to safeguard human capital and extend protection to Burkina Faso’s most vulnerable communities.

Since its initial approval in September 2024, the project has already delivered notable achievements. Within the health sector, it has facilitated over 16 million free consultations for women and children under five years old, alongside the vaccination of 1.13 million children. Furthermore, the reimbursement rate for expenses associated with free healthcare services has improved significantly, rising from 75% in 2023 to 82% by the close of 2024.

In the education sector, the initiative has played a pivotal role in organizing nine national examinations, achieving an impressive 98% participation rate. It has also led to the certification of 99.8% of teachers and the distribution of 69,000 educational kits, directly supporting academic progress and teacher development.

“The undeniable contribution of human capital to a nation’s development is well-established. This supplementary funding will unequivocally strengthen the Government’s ongoing efforts to safeguard and enhance this invaluable asset, which is fundamental for Burkina Faso’s sustained 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. This strategy, spanning 2021–2025, is dedicated to fortifying key institutions responsible for service delivery. Moreover, the project is fully consistent with Burkina Faso’s Country Partnership Framework.

“This additional financing is crucial for consolidating the progress made in the education and health sectors, which have been severely impacted by the security crisis. It will ensure that all populations, including internally displaced persons, continue to have improved access to essential social services,” affirmed Ousmane Deme, Senior Public Sector Specialist, and Daniel Pajank, Senior Economist, both project leads at the World Bank.