Burkina Faso is a poor African nation that has little industry. So it exports things like gold, raw cotton, and livestock.
But now, its dictator has banned livestock exports to try to lower meat prices for consumers. This ban will reduce livestock production and increase the country’s trade deficit.
Africa News reports that
Burkina Faso has suspended the export of all livestock until further notice in a bid to boost meat sales and ensure animals are available on the domestic market. The measure has been widely welcomed but for traders, it’s a bitter pill to swallow.
“Every year, we used to be able to export 500 sheep to Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. This year, frankly, nothing has gone out,” says livestock trader Moussa Sangaré.
“The suspension doesn’t suit us. A sheep that we buy in the bush for 100,000 CFA francs, we’re forced to sell for 50,000 CFA francs.”
Abassé Kabré has been exporting livestock for nearly ten years. His Djallonke sheep are highly prized in Ghana and the new ban has hit his business hard.
He’s hoping the measure will be lifted after this week’s holiday.
“As this is a government decision, we accept it even if it is difficult,” Kabré told Africanews. “We are asking the Burkinabe authorities to lift the ban after the Tabaski festival so that we can sell our sheep in Ghana. That would be a great help to us.”
Burkina Faso’s dictator has been unable to vanquish the insurgents and terrorists who occupy at least 40% of Burkina Faso’s territory. Around 5,000 civilians died in military conflict in Burkina Faso in 2025. Villagers are routinely slaughtered by terrorists in Burkina Faso, and the State Department tells Americans, “Do not travel to Burkina Faso for any reason due to crime, kidnapping, terrorism, and health.”
But by using artificial intelligence, Burkina Faso’s dictator has managed to boost his popularity.
On the bright side, malaria deaths fell 44% in Burkina Faso from 2024 to 2025.
