Services lead the economic activities in Burkina Faso at about 43.9% of GDP, with industry near 26.5% and agriculture at 20.9% (World Bank, latest available). What are the main economic activities in Burkina Faso? GDP stood at roughly $23.1 billion in 2024 with GDP per capita near $982, and farming yields sorghum, millet, cotton, and groundnuts.
Burkina Faso, with a population of 23,548,781 (2024, World Bank), is a landlocked country in West Africa covering 274,220 square kilometers, ranking 72nd globally.
Burkina Faso’s GDP in 2024 stood at approximately $23.1 billion (current USD), reflecting continued growth despite significant security challenges. GDP per capita reached approximately $982 in 2024 (World Bank). In terms of global ranking, Burkina Faso placed 122nd by GDP in 2022 with a GDP per capita of $830.04, and has since improved its output (World Bank, 2024).
Despite facing economic and security challenges — including a military-led transitional government since 2022 — Burkina Faso continues to strive for growth and development in various sectors to improve its economic standing on the global stage.
What are the economic activities of Burkina Faso?
- Primary activities: approximately 20.9% of GDP (World Bank, latest available).
- Secondary activities: approximately 26.5% of GDP (World Bank, latest available).
- Tertiary activities: approximately 43.9% of GDP (World Bank, latest available).
Primary Sector of Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso’s primary sector is dominated by agriculture due to its favorable climate and abundant natural resources. Approximately 46.56% of the country’s land is dedicated to agricultural activities. The main agricultural products include sorghum, maize, fruits, vegetables, millet, cowpeas, cotton, groundnuts, sugarcane, and rice.
Agriculture plays a crucial role in the economy by providing livelihoods for the majority of the population and ensuring food security, highlighting the significance of agriculture in Burkina Faso.
The country’s diverse geology contributes to a rich array of natural resources. Gold, manganese, zinc, limestone, marble, phosphates, pumice, and salt are key assets driving the economy, particularly in mining and construction sectors.
Secondary Sector of Burkina Faso
What is the secondary sector or what are secondary activities?
The secondary sector encompasses industries that transform raw materials from primary activities into finished products for consumption. In Burkina Faso, main industrial products include cotton lint, beverages, agricultural processing, soap, cigarettes, textiles, and gold. These products are manufactured for both domestic consumption and export, contributing to the country’s industrial sector growth.
Manufactures in Burkina Faso’s total exports are relatively unimportant, accounting for only 5.02% in 2023, indicating a heavy reliance on other sectors for economic growth.
Tertiary sector of Burkina Faso
What is the tertiary sector or what are tertiary activities?
The tertiary sector encompasses the intangible aspects of the economy where individuals provide knowledge and time to enhance productivity and meet needs. It includes services like advice, expertise, and attention, catering to both consumer and business demands. In Burkina Faso, key tertiary activities are healthcare and medical care, education and training, banking and finance, communication and information exchange, transportation and logistics, and security and protection.
Notably, Burkina Faso’s tourism sector plays a limited role in its economy, recording approximately 120,803 international arrivals in 2023 (down from 155,904 in 2022), reflecting the impact of ongoing insecurity on visitor numbers (Trading Economics / World Bank).
Another example of tertiary economic activity is the mobile cellular sector, with approximately 25 million subscriptions, supporting technological growth by enhancing communication, fostering innovation, and facilitating access to digital services.
Military Activities and Economic Sectors of Burkina Faso
The military is a clear example of many economic activities working together. In the primary sector, resources are extracted for military use, like metals for weapons. The secondary sector involves the manufacturing of military equipment, which creates jobs and boosts the economy. The tertiary sector includes services the military provides, such as logistics and training. The quaternary sector focuses on military research and development, while the quinary sector deals with high-level decision-making and strategy.
In Burkina Faso, military expenditure in 2023 was approximately $826.4 million, representing 4.0% of GDP — up from 2.9% in 2022 — reflecting increased defense spending under the transitional government (World Bank). The active military force has 11,200 personnel.
International Trade of Burkina Faso
Import Activities of Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso’s import activities are crucial, accounting for approximately 28.9% of its GDP, totaling $5.88 billion in 2023 (World Bank WITS, 2023).
Burkina Faso’s key import activities include refined petroleum, electricity, packaged medicine, plastic products, and natural gas. Major import partners are Cote d’Ivoire (16%), China (12%), Russia (7%), France (7%), and Ghana (5%).
Exports Activities of Burkina Faso
In 2023, Burkina Faso’s total exports amounted to $4.46 billion, accounting for approximately 21.9% of its 2023 GDP (World Bank WITS, 2023). Gold remains the dominant export, with Switzerland accounting for 74% of export destinations.
Burkina Faso’s export activities are primarily focused on gold, cotton, oil seeds, and nuts. Its main export partners are Switzerland, UAE, Mali, Singapore, and Cote d’Ivoire.
Burkina Faso economy challenges in 2024
In 2024, Burkina Faso faces challenges with terrorism and insecurity hindering economic growth, despite efforts to boost gold exports. The country’s agrarian economy struggles with widespread poverty and limited resources, leading to a growing public debt that remains manageable for now. The World Bank estimated GDP growth of approximately 4.9% in 2024, supported by improved security in some regions and favorable agricultural conditions (World Bank, 2025).
Sources
- World Bank Data: Burkina Faso
- IMF DataMapper: Burkina Faso
- World Bank WITS: Burkina Faso Trade 2023
- CIA World Factbook: Burkina Faso
- UN Comtrade Plus: Trade Flow
Last updated: June 20, 2026
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