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Public Procurement in Burkina Faso

Public Procurement in Burkina Faso is a core mechanism through which the government delivers public services, executes infrastructure programs, and channels both national budget resources and development partner financing into priority sectors of the economy. Procurement activities cover goods, works, and services across health, education, transport, water, energy, agriculture, and public administration.

For domestic suppliers, public procurement represents one of the most structured and reliable sources of demand within the formal economy. For international contractors and consultants, government tenders in Burkina Faso provide access to nationally funded projects as well as donor-supported programs implemented through government systems.

A clear understanding of the institutional framework, legal environment, procurement procedures, and practical market conditions is essential for bidders seeking to participate competitively and in compliance with national requirements.

Country & Economic Overview

The public procurement system operates within a limited fiscal space, placing strong emphasis on budget discipline, donor coordination, and efficient use of public funds.

Public Procurement Governance Framework

Public procurement governance in Burkina Faso is structured around a central regulatory authority, with procurement execution carried out by contracting authorities across central government, local authorities, and public institutions.

Procurement planning, tendering, evaluation, and contract management are conducted at the level of each contracting authority within the national regulatory framework.

Legal & Regulatory Framework

Public procurement law in Burkina Faso is based on a national procurement code aligned with WAEMU directives and regional harmonisation principles.

• Procurement legislation establishes transparency, equal treatment, and competition as core principles
• Value for money is embedded as a guiding objective for public spending
• Competitive tendering is the default procurement method
• Special procedures apply in cases of urgency or exceptional circumstances
• Donor-financed contracts may apply partner-specific procurement rules where agreed

The legal framework applies to goods, works, and services procured using public funds.

Procurement Procedures & Thresholds

Procurement procedures are selected based on contract value, technical complexity, and financing source.

• Procurement notices are published through official channels
• Bid validity periods are defined in tender documents
• Administrative review mechanisms are available for bidders
• Contract award decisions are formally disclosed

E-Procurement System Overview

The eProcurement system in Burkina Faso is evolving, with digital tools primarily supporting publication and information access rather than fully electronic tendering.

Gradual digitalisation initiatives aim to improve transparency and efficiency over time.

Procurement Market Characteristics

The procurement market is dominated by infrastructure and public works, followed by goods procurement and consulting services.

• Works contracts include roads, public buildings, water systems, and sanitation
• Goods procurement focuses on equipment, vehicles, medical supplies, and ICT
• Services include consulting, supervision, feasibility studies, and training

International participation is most prominent in donor-financed projects, while nationally funded procurement primarily involves domestic firms.

Transparency, Complaints & Oversight

Oversight mechanisms support transparency and accountability in public procurement.

• ARCOP handles administrative complaints and reviews
• Procurement decisions are subject to regulatory scrutiny
• Audit institutions provide additional oversight of public expenditure

Sustainability & Green Public Procurement

Sustainability considerations in procurement are mainly introduced through sector policies and donor-funded project requirements.

• Environmental safeguards are applied on a project-by-project basis
• Technical specifications may include environmental criteria where relevant
• Formal green procurement frameworks remain limited

Social & Ethical Procurement Considerations

Social objectives in public procurement are addressed through general policy goals rather than specific procurement mandates.

• Equal access principles apply to all eligible bidders
• Labour standards are governed by national employment legislation
• Ethical sourcing requirements are not systematically embedded in procurement procedures

Key Challenges & Practical Insights for Bidders

Key challenges for bidders include administrative complexity, limited digitisation, and the need to navigate both national and donor procurement frameworks.

Practical bidding insights

1. Closely follow official tender publications and donor portals
2. Allow sufficient time for document preparation and compliance checks
3. Seek local legal or technical expertise when entering the market
4. Understand complaint and review procedures before submission

Public Procurement in Burkina Faso remains a strategically important market for infrastructure, development, and public service delivery. Well-prepared bidders who understand procedural requirements and local conditions are best positioned for successful participation.