Burkina Faso: World Bank Steps Up Support for Human Capital

WASHINGTON, September 19, 2024 - The World Bank today approved a$100.4 million Human Capital Protection Project to support the government's efforts to deliver basic social services in Burkina Faso.

In the health sector, this new operation will improve access to services through financing (i) free health care to ensure that the health needs of women and children are considered; (ii) operating costs of hospitals and health centers to enable them to operate at their full potential and take care of more patients; and (iii) vaccines to strengthen children's immune systems.

In the education sector, the project will improve the quality of the education system by financing the organization of examinations and competitions to evaluate and certify student achievements, while also providing training and support to teachers via the provision of pedagogical kits to improve the quality of learning.

"This human development project is part of Burkina Faso's 2021-2025 development strategy. It should contribute to its improvement by boosting the education and health sectors in particular," explains Hamoud Abdel Wedoud Kamil, World Bank Country Manager for Burkina Faso.

The Human Capital Protection Project, financed by the International Development Association (IDA)*, is fully in line with the World Bank's West and Central Africa Region strategy to strengthen the social contract by strengthening key institutions involved in the delivery of basic social services.

Ousmane Kolie and Daniel Pajank, World Bank Project Managers, pointed out that "The proposed operation is very timely as it will help preserve the gains made in the education and health sectors, which have been affected by the security crisis. Populations, including internally displaced persons, will have better access to more basic social services."

*The International Development Association (IDA) is the World Bank's fund for the poorest countries. Established in 1960, it provides grants and low- to zero-interest loans for projects and programs that boost economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve poor people's lives. IDA is one of the largest sources of assistance for the world's 76 poorest countries, 39 of which are in Africa. Resources from IDA bring positive change to the 1.6 billion people who live in IDA countries. Since its inception, IDA has supported development work in 113 countries. Annual commitments have averaged about $21 billion over the last three years, with about 61% going to Africa.