Burkina Faso: Popular shareholding and local processing, the pillars of endogenous development driven by Captain Ibrahim Traoré
President Ibrahim Traoré has once again demonstrated his vision for endogenous development by recently inaugurating the tomato processing plant of the Burkinabe Tomato Company (SOBTO) in Bobo-Dioulasso. This project, a true showcase of community entrepreneurship, is based on a popular shareholding model that directly involves citizens in wealth creation. The products, marketed under the brand A’diaa, meaning “flavor” in Dioula, are part of an initiative aimed at enhancing local resources for the national welfare.
The SOBTO factory, with the capacity to generate 187 direct jobs and nearly 3.000 indirect jobs, perfectly illustrates the economic and social impact of such a project. Beyond providing employment, it supports a dynamic agro-industry by creating markets for local tomato producers, thus contributing to the fight against rural poverty. This innovative model embodies Ibrahim Traoré’s vision: a self-reliant and resilient Burkina Faso, where development originates from the communities themselves.
By implementing popular shareholding and local transformation, Captain Ibrahim Traoré proves that endogenous development is not only possible but also essential for ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth. The inauguration of the SOBTO plant marks a key milestone in his ambition to make Burkina Faso a model of economic sovereignty in Africa.
