Ouagadougou: The Minister of Energy, Mines and Quarries, Yacouba Zabr© Gouba, announced on Wednesday, following the evaluation of his performance contract, assigned to him by the Prime Minister, an overall execution rate of 49.15%, in the first half of 2025.

According to Burkina Information Agency, in the energy sector, several structuring projects have been launched in accordance with the guidelines of the Head of State and the Prime Minister. These include the construction of thermal power plants in the localities of Kaya, Koudougou, Ouahigouya, and Komsilga. The infrastructure projects are expected to strengthen existing facilities and increase the installed production capacity to more than 800 megawatts.

The Department of Energy, Mines, and Quarries has also connected more than 41,000 new subscribers to the national interconnected electricity grid. Additionally, support for the resettlement of populations in recaptured areas was provided in collaboration with the Defense and Security Forces and the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland. Discussions on the development of the nuclear power program continued, as indicated by Minister Gouba.

In the field of mines and quarries, efforts to implement reforms resulting from the revised mining code and local content, adopted in July 2024, have been intensified. Most of the measures provided for in the texts have been translated into concrete actions. The Ministry has signed amendments to the mining agreements currently being executed with all companies in the sector, thus strengthening the framework for collaboration.

In terms of artisanal and semi-mechanized mining, more than 20 tons of gold have been collected as of June 30, 2025, added the head of the department in charge of Energy. Minister Yacouba Zabr© Gouba remains optimistic about the second half of the year, which should allow for the acceleration of ongoing reforms and the amplifying of positive impacts for the benefit of the population.