Burkinabè diaspora sends up to CFA 350 billion a year
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Leconomistedufaso
Illustrative image · Monstera Production · Pexels · Licence PexelsTransfers from the Burkinabè diaspora reach between 200 billion and 350 billion CFA francs a year, representing about 3% of GDP in 2025 and a level comparable to foreign direct investment. The funds finance households, property, agriculture, livestock and mining, according to the African Development Bank’s 2026 country report.
Money transfers from Burkinabè living abroad are estimated at between 200 billion and 350 billion CFA francs a year, or approximately $357 million to $625 million. These amounts represent nearly 3% of Burkina Faso’s gross domestic product in 2025 and are at the same level as foreign direct investment, according to the African Development Bank (AfDB) country report for 2026, published in October.
The funds are mainly used to support households with healthcare, education and food expenses. They also finance property, agriculture, livestock and mining, while the diaspora also contributes to the Patriotic Support Fund, the AfDB said.
The bank estimates that these transfers could increase thanks to digitalisation reforms undertaken by the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO). It nevertheless noted that the average amount sent by each member of the Burkinabè diaspora remains below the African average of $2,434 a year, despite a large community living notably in Ivory Coast.
