Nigeria, B/Faso to deepen trade, investment ties

Nigeria and Burkina Faso are working to strengthen their economic ties, focusing on areas such as trade, investment, transportation, manufacturing, logistics, and the digital economy. Nigeria's Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Syndoph Endoni, and the leaders of the General Confederation of Faso Enterprises (COGEF) made this commitment in Ouagadougou. During the meeting, COGEF President, Idrissa Nassa, represented the Burkinabè business delegation.

The discussions aimed at creating more opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs in both countries, paving the way for a channel of economic cooperation beyond traditional government-to-government diplomacy. Both Nigeria and Burkina Faso are committed to expanding their commercial relations, as this could provide additional momentum for broader collaboration between the two nations.

COGEF is ready to establish extensive partnerships with Nigeria, capable of greatly increasing bilateral trade and facilitating private-sector investment. They plan to work closely with their Nigerian counterparts to identify commercially viable areas of collaboration. Nassa expressed his organization's enthusiasm for identifying new opportunities that can strengthen the longstanding economic relationship between both countries.

Endoni assured the Burkinabè employers that Nigeria remains open to economic engagement, partnerships, and business opportunities, which could broaden bilateral cooperation. He emphasized Nigeria's interest in its relationship with Burkina Faso and its desire to significantly expand economic and commercial ties. Endoni also highlighted the importance of improving the movement of goods and services and creating a more attractive environment for investors.

Efforts are underway to reactivate joint economic mechanisms between Nigeria and Burkina Faso, particularly the Nigeria-Burkina Faso Bi-National Joint Commission, for more structured bilateral economic engagement. COGEF, which previously operated as the National Council of Burkinabè Employers, represents a significant umbrella for organized private-sector interests in Burkina Faso.

The organization maintains engagement with government institutions, employers, workers' organizations, and international partners while promoting enterprise development and private-sector interests.