Tenkodogo: The Director General of the Agency for the Promotion of Community Entrepreneurship (APEC), Karim Traore, held a press conference this Saturday in Tenkodogo, focusing on the tomato processing plant under construction in the city. The aim was to present the results of the activities since the official launch of the community entrepreneurship program on June 12, 2023, up until September 30, 2025.
According to Burkina Information Agency, APEC was established in February 2023 by the Council of Ministers, following an initiative by President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traore. The initiative supports the country’s industrialization through citizen engagement and financial participation. The Director General noted that the program is gaining traction among the population.
As of September 30, 2025, a total of 19,791,978,000 FCFA had been mobilized. This amount includes 13,791,978,000 FCFA from 324,301 subscribers and 6 billion FCFA from equity investments and state support. Karim Traore acknowledged the public’s support for the authorities’ vision of economic sovereignty.
The mobilized resources enabled the financing of initial investments estimated at 18,091,053,675 FCFA in four community companies. These include SOBTO-SA/Bobo-Dioulasso, inaugurated on November 30, 2024, Bielmera Mining SA with a completion rate of 67%, and SOBTO/Tenkodogo, which was 52% completed as of September 30, 2025.
To enhance participatory governance, APEC announced the creation of a new fundraising structure, SCOOP-CA/APEC, and the modernization of its digital tools through a web platform and mobile application, also targeting diaspora subscribers. Members will soon have access to an electronic booklet.
Looking forward, APEC plans a second phase of investments, which will include a cotton processing plant, an industrial chili unit in Banfora, and Guiro Mining SA.
The Director General expressed gratitude to the population for their trust and encouraged continued efforts towards upcoming community-based enterprises. He emphasized that popular shareholding contributes to job creation, with nearly 100 direct jobs and 1,000 indirect jobs per agro-industrial unit.
APEC officials confirmed their commitment to providing all necessary information to journalists and subscribers to ensure the program runs smoothly.
