In Burkina Faso, President Ibrahim Traoré is spearheading the development of an $8 million tomato processing facility, aiming to transform the nation’s agricultural sector. Despite producing 290,000 tons of tomatoes in 2021, the country faces challenges with a considerable amount of its harvest exported to Ghana and losses due to perishability. Agriculture, engaging 80 to 90% of Burkina Faso’s population, is a cornerstone of the economy, yet it suffers from significant post-harvest losses, including 30% of tomatoes wasted because of insufficient storage and processing infrastructure.
The new facility is expected to mitigate these issues by processing locally grown tomatoes into paste, puree, and sauces, thereby reducing waste and decreasing reliance on imported tomato products. Funded by the Agency for the Promotion of Community Entrepreneurship, the project is anticipated to generate 100 direct and over 5,000 indirect jobs, contributing to economic development and community welfare.
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