Ouagadougou: The Minister of Employment, Roland Somda, officially installed the elected National Executive Board of the National Council for the Informal Economy of Burkina Faso (CNEI-BF) on Friday, along with the launch of the Grand Prix de la formalisation. This initiative aims to encourage the transition from the informal to the formal sector.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the ceremony witnessed strong participation from informal sector players across the country’s thirteen regions. Minister Roland Somda acknowledged the determination of CNEI-BF members, urging them to pursue an inclusive vision for sustainable economic transformation. He highlighted that the informal sector comprises approximately 93.5% of jobs in Burkina Faso and reiterated his department’s commitment to facilitating the transition to formalization, ensuring decent employment and social security coverage.

The Grand Prix de la formalisation, introduced during the event, is designed to reward organizations and stakeholders most dedicated to the formalization process. The awardees will receive official recognition and additional support to enhance the structure of their activities.

Salif Niki¨man, the newly installed president of CNEI-BF, whose office includes 41 national members, 13 regional presidents, and 11 municipal presidents, called on all sector stakeholders to unite in building a robust foundation for future generations. “We have turned an old page, and a new one is opening in the history of the informal economy in Burkina Faso,” he stated.

The event also included a tribute to the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) and the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) for their dedication to reclaiming national territory. Through this dual initiative, the Burkinabe government aims to transform the informal sector into a significant force for the nation’s economic and social advancement.