BURKINA FASO – Burkina Faso has officially inaugurated an infant flour manufacturing unit, Moulin de Transformation Agroalimentaire (MTA), in Ouagadougou, the capital city.
The new plant, opened on September 24, 2024, under the leadership of Agriculture Minister Ismaël Sombié, is poised to enhance food security and stimulate economic growth by promoting the processing of local cereals into high-demand products like infant flour.
The MTA facility, headed by Director Mrs. Ingue Iteka, boasts a production capacity of 12 tons of infant flour per day. This is expected to significantly contribute to the nutritional needs of children while supporting the country’s goal of reducing reliance on imports.
The factory will source raw materials such as cereals, soybeans, millet, legumes, and oilseeds from local farmers and peasant organizations, providing a stable market for agricultural producers across the country.
This initiative forms part of the larger Agricultural Resilience and Competitiveness Project (PReCA), which has been in effect since 2020 and runs until 2025.
With over US$209 million invested, the PReCA project is focused on boosting agricultural productivity and enhancing the resilience of Burkina Faso’s food systems through investments in agro-processing facilities like the MTA.
Beyond improving food security, the MTA plant is expected to serve as a significant driver of job creation in the country.
By sourcing raw materials locally and promoting cereal processing, the facility will provide employment opportunities along the entire value chain, from agriculture to distribution.
Government officials view this development as a strategic move to foster industrial growth and economic development in Burkina Faso, especially in rural areas where agricultural employment is critical.
To support the industrialization of the flour sector, recently, Burkina Faso’s government introduced a tax exemption specifically aimed at boosting local cereal flour production.
The move is expected to lower production costs for both small- and large-scale manufacturers, making locally-produced flour more competitive in the market. This tax relief is part of a broader policy framework to encourage investments in the agro-processing sector and strengthen the country’s food security.
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