Burkina Faso pushes bill targeting major firms that earn CFA5bn ($8.8m) in annual revenue

Burkina Faso has moved to deepen its control over the corporate presence of big business, unveiling a bill requiring companies with an annual turnover of at least CFA5 billion ($8.8 million) to establish headquarters within the country

The government has adopted a draft bill compelling companies with at least CFA 5 billion (around US$ 8.8 million) in annual revenue to establish their headquarters domestically.

Officials say the measure is designed to deepen economic integration, stimulate urban development and increase tax-base capture. The bill, adopted by the Council of Ministers on October 9, 2025, will now go to the Transitional Legislative Assembly according to a report by Ecofin Agency.

In parallel with the HQ mandate, Burkina Faso is intensifying efforts to boost internal revenue from its natural resources.

A key pillar is the revised 2024 Mining Code, under which the state’s free-carried equity stake in major gold mining projects has been increased from 10 % to 15 %.

This change applies to flagship operations including Sanbrado, Toega and Kiaka, signalling a stronger government share of the country’s gold export earnings. The new law also grants the state the option to acquire a further paid stake of up to 30 %, thereby potentially controlling up to 45 % of a project.

These reforms reflect a broader drive to nationalise strategic assets and ensure mining rewards contribute more directly to national development.

The HQ law classifies companies into four revenue categories – above CFA 100 billion; between 50-100 billion; between 10-50 billion; and between 5-10 billion with construction standards varying by tier.

The Ministry of Urban Planning will jointly determine facility-specification requirements, while the Ministry of Finance offers tax incentives on construction materials to encourage compliance. Local authorities have also been directed to expedite building permit issuance.

Finance Minister Aboubakar Nacanabo said requiring large firms to establish local headquarters supports both urbanisation and fiscal expansion.

While higher state stakes in mining and stricter corporate regulations may unsettle some foreign investors, the government views them as vital for raising domestic revenue, creating jobs in construction, and reducing reliance on external financing. Together, these reforms signal a more assertive push to localise economic value and expand Burkina Faso’s fiscal base.