Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – Transition President, Captain Ibrahim Traore, has launched the country’s first tomato processing plant in Bobo-Dioulasso, a landmark step aimed at tackling post-harvest losses and improving agricultural productivity.
The $12 million (7.5 billion CFA francs) facility will transform surplus tomatoes into processed goods, supporting local farmers and creating economic opportunities.
The plant, inaugurated on Saturday, was commissioned by the Traore, who described it as pivotal for food security and reducing waste.
“This facility demonstrates our dedication to empowering farmers and enhancing value addition in agriculture,” he said.
Projected to generate 8 billion CFA francs in five years, the plant will boost Burkina Faso’s economy and create jobs in tomato-growing regions.
It also aligns with government efforts to strengthen agricultural value chains and cut reliance on imported goods.
The facility aims to process several tons of tomatoes annually for domestic and regional markets, stabilising prices and bolstering the country’s agro-industrial sector.
For this project to come to fruition, it took the patriotic commitment of the Burkinabe people, from the inside and from the diaspora, who signed massively to the programme of community entrepreneurship through popular shareholders.
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