Burkina Faso: The National Support Center for Cotton Artisan Transformation, a pillar to valorize “White Gold”
On November 22, 2024, Prime Minister Dr. Apollinaire Joachimson Kyélem de Tambèla visited the construction site of the National Support Center for Cotton Artisan Transformation (The CNATAC) in Bobo-Dioulasso. This visit was part of the 21st National Government/Private Sector Meeting and aimed to assess the progress of this strategic project for the development of the cotton sector in Burkina Faso.
Launched on February 16, 2024, the project was initially expected to be completed by September 2024, within an eight-month timeframe. However, the current progress stands at approximately 65%. The delays are attributed to challenges in the development and validation of technical plans, which slowed the commencement of construction. These issues have led to an extension of the deadline until September 30, 2025, granted by the primary funder, Italy.
Once completed, the CNATAC will serve as a reference center for training in three key areas: weaving, dyeing, and tailoring. The center is envisioned to be a development catalyst for Burkinabe artisans, professional organizations, and artisanal enterprises. By promoting the artisanal transformation of cotton—often referred to as “white gold”—the center aims to strengthen the local economy and foster endogenous development.
The government’s vision for this project is clear: to produce, transform, and consume locally, reducing dependency on imports while creating jobs. The Prime Minister reiterated his support for the project and encouraged the companies responsible for the construction to double their efforts to meet the new deadlines.
With the CNATAC, Burkina Faso is laying the foundation for a more resilient and competitive cotton sector, rooted in autonomy and the enhancement of local know-how. This project marks a key step toward ambitious and sustainable artisanal industrialization.
