In Burkina Faso, a new platform to support business creation and investment has been set up for members of the diaspora. Called Diaspora Burkina, it was launched on October 27 by the country’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Handicrafts, and that of African Integration and Burkinabés Abroad.

The new tool, developed as part of the Burkina Faso Diaspora Entrepreneurship Support Project (PAED-BF), aims to serve as a support support for the diaspora in its entrepreneurial initiatives. It offers Burkinabés abroad an online business creation system, access to a network of project facilitators, access to investment opportunities and calls for tenders, as well as advertising offers.

Burkina Faso diaspora fund Burkina Faso diaspora fund

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According to local media, the project, fueled since 2018 by the Agency for the Financing and Promotion of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (AFP-PME), plans to allocate at least 20% of the financing of national funds to diaspora initiatives. There are also plans to invest annually in at least 50 diaspora-owned SMEs, as well as business creation within 72 hours.

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Through this platform, Burkina Faso intends to facilitate the integration of its nationals into local economic development through entrepreneurship.

Charles Rapulu Udoh

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning writer