On Centre-stage: Some inspiring women entrepreneurs from Burkina Faso
#LimitlessHer #SheLeadsBurkina #BreakingBarriersBF #WomenEntrepreneursAfrica #RiseWithHer
In “The Land of Upright People,” something powerful is rising – women entrepreneurs who are boldly redefining Burkina Faso’s economic story. With a determination as deep as their roots and creativity as rich as the land itself, these women are not just contributing to change – they are the change!!
From the fertile fields of small-scale farms to bustling digital ventures and green innovations, Burkinabè women are seizing opportunities in agriculture, mining services, renewable energy, and beyond. In a country where only 8% of women own land, these trailblazers are breaking barriers with grit and grace – cultivating vegetables with recycled fish-farming water, launching eco-smart businesses, and proving that innovation thrives even in the toughest terrains.
Business Sharp: The Eco-Women of Burkina Faso
Yet, their journeys are far from easy. Cultural norms, limited access to credit, and systemic inequality often stand in the way. But resilience runs deep in Burkina Faso. These women are rising through it all – fuelled by purpose, supported by local and international initiatives& inspired by a vision of a more inclusive economy.
Here we are shining a light on some of Burkina Faso’s most inspiring women entrepreneurs, who are groundbreakers, change-makers, and community builders. Their stories are not just about business; they’re about rewriting what’s possible, one bold idea at a time. In a nation on the move, these women aren’t waiting for change, but they are leading it.
> Mamounata Velegda, Owner, Group Velegda
Mamounata Velegda is one of Burkina Faso’s most successful female entrepreneurs. She owns a thriving seeds and grain processing factory in the capital, Ouagadougou. Starting from very humble beginnings selling corn flour at the market, her business has grown to the point where she exports sesame seeds to neighbouring countries.
Today, her business exports sesame seeds not only to neighboring countries like Togo, but her company, Groupe Velegda, has also established a strong presence in Denmark and Switzerland.
By building a rice processing facility in Burkina Faso, she aims to elevate the nation’s local rice production, thus positioning it as a prominent exporter of this beloved West African staple.
Having experienced her own launch, she believes that business will grow “little by little”.
> Bibata Zabré – Director-General of Inova Bati Services
The prominent factor here is that besides being a pioneer in the plumbing industry, she is also working to become a leading female entrepreneur in Burkina Faso.
As the Director-General of Inova Bati Services, she is challenging gender norms in the plumbing industry.
In fact, her goal is to become one of Burkina Faso’s most influential female entrepreneurs. Her office is located in Kaya, Burkina Faso, and is a specialist in the sanitary plumbing industry.
> Florence Bassono, Founder, Faso Attiéké
Florence Bassono is the Founder of Faso Attiéké, a company focused on producing high-quality couscous.
She has a clear vision and wants her company, Faso Attiéké, to be the leader in the production of high-quality couscous (attiéké) and 100% “Burkinabè” – that is locally sourced and produced in Burkina Faso. With the support of Danida’s Agricultural Economic Growth Programme (PCESA), she’s well on her way to achieving her dream.
With the support of a private sector development program, she has expanded her business, created jobs, and is contributing to the local economy.
Florence’s company, Faso Attiéké, is contributing to the local economy by producing and processing attiéké, a type of couscous, using locally sourced ingredients. Her business has also created numerous jobs, particularly for women, and is positively impacting the lives of people in her community.
> Lizèta Ouédraogo – Gender and Nutrition Specialist
Lizèta Ouédraogo, a fish farmer and trainer, is part of a project that combines horticulture and fish farming. She actively shares her knowledge with others, teaching them how to combine fish farming with hydroponic gardening, and her success has led to increased demand for her training sessions.
As a gender specialist, Lizèta Ouédraogo put her expertise at the service of development stakeholders and partners in several areas before specializing in nutrition. With the West Africa Food System Resilience Program (PRSA), she works on food and nutritional security projects. As an AWARD Policy Fellow, she would like to strengthen her knowledge of agricultural policies, particularly on the role of gender-sensitive policies in achieving food security.
> Rihanata, Founder, Nabonswende Association
Displaced by conflict, Rihanata started a soap production business and now trains other vulnerable girls and women in Kaya, Burkina Faso. Her work helps them rebuild their lives and provides economic empowerment.
Quite significantly, she moved from displaced person to entrepreneur. She founded the Nabonswende Association, with the intention of helping other displaced girls and women learn soap-making techniques. Backed by the Youth Challenge Fund initiative set up by Plan International in West and Central Africa, and was able to organize large-scale training sessions attended by both internally displaced and from the host community.
So, her story of resilience shines bright. She admits that Plan International’s support gave her a boost, opening doors to secure funding.
Avtar Madan
Himanshu
Shree Lahiri
