Ouagadougou: Nigeria and Burkina Faso have announced plans to enhance their economic relationship, focusing on increasing trade, investment, and cooperation in sectors such as transportation, manufacturing, logistics, and the digital economy. This commitment was made during a meeting involving Nigeria’s Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Syndoph Endoni, and leaders from the General Confederation of Faso Enterprises (COGEF), the principal private sector employers’ organization in Burkina Faso.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the meeting aimed to create greater opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs in both nations. COGEF President, Idrissa Nassa, led the Burkinab¨ business delegation in discussions on expanding business-led cooperation beyond traditional government diplomacy. Both parties agreed that stronger commercial ties could boost Nigeria-Burkina Faso relations.
COGEF expressed readiness to develop extensive partnerships with Nigeria to significantly increase bilateral trade and facilitate private-sector investment. The organization plans to work closely with Nigerian partners to identify viable collaboration opportunities. They emphasized fostering economic partnerships to enhance trade and investment between the Nigerian and Burkinab¨ private sectors.
Ambassador Endoni highlighted the importance Nigeria places on its relationship with Burkina Faso, advocating for expanded economic and commercial ties. He encouraged cooperation to improve goods and services movement and create an attractive environment for investors. He also mentioned efforts to reactivate joint economic mechanisms, such as the Nigeria-Burkina Faso Bi-National Joint Commission, for more structured bilateral engagement.
COGEF, previously known as the National Council of Burkinab¨ Employers, plays a significant role in representing private-sector interests in Burkina Faso. It engages with government institutions, employers, workers’ organizations, and international partners to promote enterprise development.
The meeting takes place amid evolving West African relations, following Burkina Faso’s alignment with Mali and Niger under the Alliance of Sahel States. Despite the withdrawal from ECOWAS, discussions continue on maintaining regional cooperation. Ambassador Endoni noted that stronger economic ties between Nigeria and Burkina Faso could sustain regional connectivity amidst political changes.
In conclusion, both countries expressed confidence that enhanced private-sector partnerships could reinforce longstanding ties and create tangible benefits for Nigerians and Burkinab¨ alike.