On the eve of 2026, the President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, delivered his address to the nation, providing a detailed review of 2025 and outlining the main directions for the future of Burkina Faso. Security, agriculture, the economy, governance, and diplomacy were the main themes of this address, which was marked by a strong commitment to national sovereignty.
On the security front, the Head of State commended the progress made by the Combat Forces . The internal training of troops and the acquisition of strategic equipment have enabled the creation of specialized units capable of conducting large-scale operations throughout the country.
Military operations have facilitated the recapture of several areas once considered impregnable, with the recapture of dozens of villages. For 2026, the President announced a strengthening of operational capabilities and increased involvement of the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP).
In the agricultural sector, Captain Ibrahim Traoré announced the achievement of food self-sufficiency by 2025. This result is attributed to agricultural mechanization, free plowing, the provision of improved seeds developed through national research, and better water management. To this end, the National Dams Office plans to construct water reservoirs in each village to allow for up to three agricultural seasons per year.
On the economic front , the state has strengthened its control over strategic resources, notably through the creation of the National Society of Precious Substances (SONASP) for improved management of the mining sector. The fight against fraud and illegal gold exports has also intensified. Furthermore, the country has successfully mobilized financing on the regional market with subscription rates deemed satisfactory.
Industrialization remains a priority, with the announcement of the commissioning, in 2026, of the first local processing unit for cotton, which has long been exported in its raw state.
The Head of State also emphasized social and institutional reforms. He announced a justice system more accessible to the people, incorporating traditional conflict resolution mechanisms. A reform of the prison system is also planned, allowing inmates to contribute to the national effort through retraining programs.
The digitalization of public administration is emerging as a key tool in the fight against corruption. Starting in January 2026, certified electronic invoicing will be widespread to streamline commercial transactions. In urban planning, the government is now prioritizing high-rise construction for better land use and urban sanitation.
On the international stage, the President of Burkina Faso reaffirmed the country’s openness to partnerships based on mutual respect and sovereignty. He emphasized the importance of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) Confederation, presented as a strategic framework for strengthening regional cooperation and amplifying the voice of the Sahelian peoples on the international stage.
Through this assessment, Captain Ibrahim Traoré demonstrates his commitment to consolidating the achievements of 2025 and to setting Burkina Faso on the path to endogenous, sustainable and sovereign development.