State-led mining push: Burkina Faso has authorized SOPAMIB to develop the Bouboulou gold mine, its first state-operated industrial gold project, with an estimated 10.77 million tonnes of ore, expected output of 7.27 tonnes over 15 years, over 1,200 jobs, and more than 32 billion CFA francs in investment. Mining governance: The government also granted an industrial permit to SOPAMIB for the Bouboulou project, framing it as a shift from private concessions to direct public operation. Power for industry: Africa Finance Corporation reached financial close on a $300m facility for a 119MW thermal plant by Aksa Enerji, with the first $60m tranche disbursed; the project targets reducing Burkina Faso’s electricity imports by more than half and improving reliability for businesses and mines. Energy diplomacy: Burkina Faso and Russia agreed to convene the first session of an intergovernmental commission, with cooperation flagged across security, energy, mining, trade and investment. Mining safety agenda: Burkina Faso opened its third Mining Forum in Ouagadougou, focusing on health, safety and environment as the sector’s “full potential” unlocks. Food and input pressure: Fertilizer trade is being disrupted by the Persian Gulf conflict, raising risks of shortages and price hikes that could hit farm production. Agriculture sustainability: A Ouagadougou panel discussed soil health and food sovereignty, pushing nature-based solutions and better access to agricultural services.