Bobo-dioulasso: Minister of State Emile Zerbo welcomes the progress of the work and demands adherence to deadlines
Under the leadership of President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traor, the government is committed to modernizing strategic infrastructure to enhance mobility, stimulate the economy, and position Burkina Faso as an attractive destination. Minister of State, Minister of Territorial Administration and Mobility, Emile Zerbo, visited the Bobo-Dioulasso International Airport to review the ongoing modernization efforts.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the visit was an opportunity for the minister to assess the progress of the modernization project, discuss developments with technical teams, and emphasize the importance of adhering to deadlines and quality standards. The project, managed by the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Mobility and executed by Socit des Aroports du Faso (SAFA), involves an investment of approximately 79 billion CFA francs, demonstrating the government's dedication to establishing modern airport facilities that conform to international standards.
The project seeks to enhance territorial connectivity, boost economic competitiveness, and transform Bobo-Dioulasso into a regional hub for mobility, business, and investment. Key elements of the project include constructing a new terminal with a capacity for 1.5 million passengers annually, rehabilitating the runway and taxiways, constructing a parallel road, installing a photovoltaic solar power plant, and upgrading freight infrastructure along with several city roads.
As of August 5, 2026, the project has reached a completion rate of 17.23%, with 35.46% of the contractual time elapsed, involving over 500 workers. The technical checks have confirmed compliance with quality standards, and the companies responsible for the work have enhanced operational procedures, enabling continuous, round-the-clock work to meet deadlines without compromising quality.
The Project Director from the BUCG-AMP consortium, Mr. LI, assured that all necessary measures are in place to ensure material supply, skilled workforce availability, and rigorous execution. The Minister of State, Emile Zerbo, expressed satisfaction with the progress, appreciated the technical teams' professionalism, and emphasized the government's focus on fulfilling contractual obligations.
The Director General of SAFA, Comrade Malegdibki¨ta Saturnin Thophile BIKYENGA, acknowledged and appreciated the support from the highest authorities, noting that the project aligns with President Ibrahim Traor's vision of transforming Burkina Faso into a competitive mobility hub.
Discussions also covered the project's second phase, focusing on non-aeronautical infrastructure development, estimated at 200 billion CFA francs. This phase includes building an international hotel, a convention center, a tourist complex, an aeronautical medical center, and an internal mobility network, aiming to turn the Bobo-Dioulasso airport into a significant sub-regional hub generating value, employment, and economic prospects for Burkina Faso.
Minister Emile Zerbo concluded by reiterating the government's commitment to rigorous monitoring and successful execution of this transformative project, emphasizing its benefits for mobility, economic growth, and Burkina Faso's influence.