Burkina Faso

High Risk

Burkina Faso · Country · Last assessed Apr 2026

Composite Score 8/25

Higher = lower risk. 22–25 LOW · 18–21 MODERATE · 13–17 ELEVATED · 8–12 HIGH · 5–7 EXTREME.

Permitting Timeline & Predictability

2/5

Process technically functional but heavily impacted by deteriorating security.

Fiscal Regime Stability

2/5

Mining code revised; state stake increased.

Political & Security Risk

1/5

Military junta in power since 2022 coups; aligned with Mali and Niger AES bloc.

Infrastructure & Power

1/5

Limited; security situation has degraded transport corridors.

Indigenous, Community & ESG

2/5

Active jihadist insurgency controls significant rural territory.

Assessment Summary

Burkina Faso has been one of West Africa's faster-growing gold producers but, like Mali, has deteriorated rapidly since the 2022 military coups. The country is now part of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) bloc with Mali and Niger and has a Russian-aligned security posture.

Operating mines continue to produce but security overhead is significant and several have experienced jihadist attacks on personnel and convoys. New investment is largely on hold.

Jurisdiction risk is one input — geology, capital structure, and management still matter. See the Verdict Framework for full company scorecards.