Ouagadougou:The President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traor, has defended the state's policy of reclaiming control over strategic sectors, asserting that the Burkinabe economy is improving due to enhanced governance, anti-fraud measures, and local production initiatives.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Captain Traor expressed these views in an interview broadcast on Burkinabe public television. The discussion with two journalists took place on the eve of the fourth anniversary of his rise to power. He reflected on the progress since the "Popular Progressive Revolution" was proclaimed in April 2025, noting that while progress has been made, a revolutionary is "never satisfied."

The President highlighted reforms that have allowed the state greater flexibility, particularly in the extractive sector. He emphasized the importance of combating fraud, describing it as a threat to both the economy and public health. Traor specifically denounced the smuggling of unsafe products and the illicit trade of explosives, which could be used in creating improvised explosive devices.

Addressing potential concerns over state pressure on the private sector, President Traor dismissed the idea of conflict between government actions and private enterprise. He encouraged local businesses to transition from importing to producing and exporting goods. Traor cited local production examples, such as fabric manufacturing and corn processing, to illustrate opportunities for growth.

The President stressed the necessity of state involvement in strategic sectors, especially extractive industries, asserting that national resources must be managed by the state. He defended the nationalization of certain industrial units, claiming improvements in performance post-takeover, and attributed prior challenges to governance issues rather than the nature of state management.

Captain Traor concluded by calling for a new vision of public service, emphasizing that state employees should see themselves as servants of the people.