How To Start A Business in Burkina Faso

---

How to Start a Business in Burkina Faso - Step by Step Guidelines

Burkina Faso has made efforts to improve its business environment by streamlining the process of registering and starting a business. Whether you are a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor, the Centre de Formalités des Entreprises (CEFORE) provides a centralized one-stop service to facilitate business registration.

Step 1: Choose a Business Structure

Select the appropriate legal structure based on your business type and goals. Common forms include:

• Entreprise Individuelle (Sole Proprietorship)
• Société à Responsabilité Limitée (SARL – Limited Liability Company)
• Société Anonyme (SA – Public Company)
• Branch or subsidiary of a foreign company

Step 2: Reserve a Business Name

Reserve your business name at CEFORE or through the Guichet Unique for enterprise formalities.

• Estimated Fee: Around XOF 5,000
• Estimated Duration: 1–2 business days

Step 3: Register the Company

Submit the registration documents to CEFORE:

• Business name reservation certificate
• Founding documents (Articles of Association)
• Identification documents of shareholders/directors
• Proof of address for the business

Fees: Around XOF 20,000 – 50,000 depending on the company type

Timeframe: 3–5 working days

Step 4: Register for Tax and Obtain a Fiscal Identification Number (IFU)

Once registered, CEFORE will facilitate your registration with the tax office to obtain an Identifiant Fiscal Unique (IFU).

Visit: Burkina Faso Tax Administration

Step 5: Register for Social Security

Register with the Caisse Nationale de Sécurité Sociale (CNSS) if you plan to employ staff.

Step 6: Open a Business Bank Account

Open a corporate bank account in a local bank using your business registration certificate, tax number, and other incorporation documents.

Step 7: Apply for Specific Sector Permits or Licenses

Some sectors (e.g., healthcare, finance, mining) require additional authorizations or licenses from relevant ministries or regulatory bodies.

Step 8: For Foreign Investors – Apply for Investment Approval (Optional but Beneficial)

Foreign investors can register with the Burkina Faso Investment Promotion Agency (ABI) to benefit from incentives and support.

Estimated Total Cost and Time

• Company Registration: XOF 20,000 – 50,000
• Timeframe: 5–10 working days for complete setup

Useful Resources

• Agence Burkinabè des Investissements (ABI)
• Tax Authority – DGI
• CNSS – Social Security Office
• Ministry of Justice – Business Registration Info