The Transitional Legislative Assembly (ALT) in Ouagadougou unanimously adopted on Friday, the draft law authorising the ratification of a nuclear cooperation agreement concluded between Burkina Faso and Russia.
The decision marks a major step forward in the country’s national energy strategy.
Meeting in plenary under the chairmanship of Ousmane Bougouma, the 71 members present endorsed the agreement, which was initially signed on 19 June 2025 in Saint Petersburg.
The accord establishes a legal framework for the construction of nuclear infrastructure, skills transfer, radioactive waste management and the training of Burkinabè specialists.
Faced with a persistent energy deficit, the government stressed the urgency of action. Foreign Minister Jean Marie Traoré recalled that the partnership aims primarily to address the country’s low electrification rate, which stood at just 34.20% in 2024.
Some MPs nevertheless raised concerns regarding security, water resource use and environmental impact.
In response, Energy Minister Yacouba Zagré Gouba assured stakeholders that these issues would be thoroughly examined during the feasibility study — a crucial stage that will determine the technology to be adopted and the future project sites.
Beyond electricity production, the programme also aims to support the medical, agricultural and industrial sectors.
Several Burkinabè experts are already undergoing training in Russia, in line with the memorandum of understanding signed in October 2023.
HO/te/lb/as/APA