OUAGADOUGOU, November 22, 2025 – The Government of Burkina Faso and the World Bank have formalized a credit agreement for an additional $100.4 million. This substantial funding is designated to bolster the Human Capital Protection Project, specifically focusing on ensuring the continued delivery of essential social services across Burkina Faso.

These newly allocated funds are set to reinforce critical initiatives, including the provision of free healthcare for women and children, strengthening routine immunization programs, facilitating the organization of national examinations, and supporting vital teacher training. Such services are fundamental to safeguarding the nation’s human capital and extending protection to its most vulnerable communities.

Since its initial launch in September 2024, the project has already achieved significant milestones. In the health sector, it has enabled over 16 million free consultations for women and children under five, alongside the successful vaccination of 1.13 million children. Furthermore, the reimbursement rate for expenses related to free healthcare services has notably improved, climbing from 75% in 2023 to 82% by the close of 2024.

Within the education sector, the project has been instrumental in orchestrating nine national examinations, achieving an impressive 98% participation rate. It has also contributed to the certification of 99.8% of educators and facilitated the distribution of 69,000 pedagogical kits, enhancing learning resources.

“The undeniable contribution of human capital to a nation’s progress is clear. This additional financing will undoubtedly amplify the Government’s efforts to nurture and develop this capital, which is a cornerstone for Burkina Faso’s economic growth and social advancement,” affirmed Hamoud Abdel Wedoud Kamil, the World Bank’s Resident Representative in Burkina Faso.

The Human Capital Protection Project, financed through the International Development Association (IDA), aligns seamlessly with the World Bank’s regional strategy for West and Central Africa (2021–2025), which prioritizes fortifying key institutions for service delivery. It also perfectly complements Burkina Faso’s Country Partnership Framework.

“This crucial additional funding is vital for solidifying the achievements in both the education and health sectors, which have been severely impacted by the prevailing security crisis. It will ensure that populations, including internally displaced persons, continue to benefit from improved access to essential social services,” explained Ousmane Deme, Senior Public Sector Specialist, and Daniel Pajank, Senior Economist, both serving as World Bank project managers.