Faith Nyasuguta
Burkina Faso’s revolutionary leader and President, Captain Ibrahim Traore, has recently inaugurated the Sino-Burkinabe Industrial Cement Company (CISINOB SA) in Laongo, Plateau-Central region.
The state-of-the-art cement grinding plant, constructed at a cost of US$43 million, has an initial production capacity of 0.75 million tonnes per year, approximately 2,000 tonnes per day, with plans already underway to expand its capacity to 1.2 million tonnes annually.
The plant’s opening is seen as a major step in boosting Burkina Faso’s construction sector, with the facility expected to create hundreds of jobs, particularly for the youth. This job creation aligns with the government’s broader agenda of tackling unemployment and poverty through industrial development. Additionally, the new plant is anticipated to increase local cement production, helping to meet domestic demand, reduce reliance on imports, and stabilize cement prices in the local market.
Traore described the CISINOB SA plant as a symbol of a mutually beneficial partnership between Burkina Faso and China, highlighting the deepening cooperation between the two nations. Since resuming diplomatic relations in 2018, Burkina Faso and China have collaborated on various infrastructure and development projects.
The new cement plant stands as a testament to this growing partnership, reflecting shared goals of industrialization and economic growth.
During the inauguration, Traore emphasized the project’s significance as part of Burkina Faso’s ongoing pursuit of economic sovereignty. Under his leadership, the country has been seeking to diversify partnerships and reduce its dependency on Western influence. Since withdrawing from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) alongside Mali and Niger, the junta-led government has focused on strengthening self-reliance and building strategic relationships with non-Western nations.
The collaboration with China on CISINOB SA aligns with this vision, showcasing a commitment to self-reliant development while ensuring respect for Burkina Faso’s sovereignty.
The plant’s inauguration marks a pivotal moment for Burkina Faso’s industrial growth. Beyond employment opportunities, it is expected to support infrastructure development and provide a boost to the country’s construction industry. The planned expansion of the plant’s capacity signals long-term economic benefits, as continued investments in infrastructure and manufacturing are set to drive sustainable economic growth, improve living standards, and position Burkina Faso as a competitive player in the regional market.
As Burkina Faso forges ahead with its plans for economic independence, the CISINOB SA cement plant stands as a powerful symbol of the nation’s resolve to carve its own path, through meaningful partnerships, industrial development, and a firm commitment to self-sufficiency.
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