Burkina Faso has inaugurated its first tomato processing plant in Bobo Dioulasso, a city in southwest Burkina Faso, about 220 miles from the capital, Ouagadougou which is aimed at reducing post-harvest losses by utilizing surplus tomatoes.
The 7.5 billion CFA franc ($12.091 million US Dollars) processing plant is expected to generate some tangible revenue for the country over the next five years. President of the Transition government, President Ibrahim Traoré presided over Saturday’s launch, marking a milestone in the nation’s agricultural value addition.
In Burkina Faso, Interim Transition President Ibrahim Traoré is spearheading the development of the $12 million tomato processing facility, with an aim to transform the nation’s agricultural sector. Despite producing 290,000 tons of tomatoes in 2021, the country faced challenges with a considerable amount of its harvest exported to Ghana and losses due to perishability. Agriculture engages 80 to 90% of Burkina Faso’s population and is a cornerstone of the economy, yet it suffers from significant post-harvest losses, including 30% of tomatoes wasted because of insufficient storage and processing infrastructure.
The new facility is expected to mitigate these issues by processing locally grown tomatoes into paste, puree, and sauces, thereby reducing waste and decreasing reliance on imported tomato products. Funded by the Agency for the Promotion of Community Entrepreneurship, the project is anticipated to generate 100 direct and over 5,000 indirect jobs, contributing to economic development and community welfare.
Additional Source: Africa News www.africanews.com
