Burkina Faso, a landlocked nation where mining remains a cornerstone of the economy, experts and students gathered in Ouagadougou on Thursday to address a largely overlooked but critical factor in industrial success—the supply chain.
Held under the theme “The Mining Industry and Supply Chain Challenges in the Context of Landlocked Countries”, the conference was organized by the fifth cohort of Professional Master’s students in Supply Chain and Purchasing Management (MSCA) at the Burkina Faso School of Business.
The event spotlighted how logistical inefficiencies, compounded by security challenges and a lack of direct access to seaports, pose significant obstacles to the mining sector’s performance.
“The supply chain is the silent pillar that supports industrial performance, access to essential goods, and business resilience,” said Alin-Noumonsan Kambou, Director General of Bel Emploi and sponsor of the conference.
“Without logistics, we would not be talking about the goods and services the Burkinabe economy needs to function properly.”
Hermann Bertrand Garé, Director of Vocational Training at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Burkina Faso, emphasized the urgency of optimizing mining logistics.
“Sharing experiences and identifying innovative solutions are crucial to strengthening this vital chain,” he noted.
The conference attracted industry professionals, including Bassoma Aboubacar Traoré, Supply Chain Director at SOPAMIB, who underscored the volatility of global supply chains.
“Every disruption is costly,” he warned, citing examples like Houndé Gold, where an hour-long stoppage can result in losses of up to 40 million CFA francs.
Yet, Traoré remains hopeful.
“With planning and robust contingency measures, Burkina Faso can build a proactive, resilient supply chain,” he stated, while acknowledging the hurdles posed by the country’s dependence on imported consumables and spare parts.
The event, part of the business school’s academic curriculum, also allowed students to apply theory to real-world challenges.
“If a student scores less than 15/20 on this project, they must retake it,” said organizing committee chair Ousmane Djibo.
Founded in 2018, the Burkina Faso School of Business has trained more than 50 professionals and continues to shape a new generation of supply chain leaders—essential actors in the nation’s pursuit of industrial resilience and economic sovereignty.
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