Burkina Faso is accelerating its urban modernization: Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean-Emmanuel Ouédraogo handed over 375 new buses to SOTRACO on January 27, 2026, supplementing an initial batch of 155 units for a total of 530 vehicles. This presidential project, financed through a public-private partnership with Vista Bank Burkina, aims to improve mobility in Ouagadougou and primarily supports students as part of the Presidential Initiative for Quality Education (IPEQ).
A Massive Boost for SOTRACO
The Ouagadougou Public Transport Company (SOTRACO) has seen its fleet triple, expanding from an aging fleet to 530 new buses, to improve traffic flow and reduce waiting times. The event, held in the presence of Minister of State Émile Zerbo, emphasizes the rigorous and professional use of the vehicles to ensure their longevity.
- Second batch: 375 buses delivered on January 27, 2026, following 155 in August 2025.
- Objectives: To revolutionize the Greater Ouagadougou Urban Mobility Project (PMUGO), prioritizing student transportation.
- Partners: The Burkinabe government and Vista Group Holding, proud of this landmark project.
Context: Mobility challenges in Ouagadougou
The Burkinabe capital faces rapid urbanization (+4% per year), chronic congestion, and an outdated bus fleet, exacerbated by security instability that limits imports. Before this project, SOTRACO operated with fewer than 200 viable buses, forcing users to rely on polluting and dangerous motorcycle taxis.
- Expected impact: Improved comfort, reduced traffic congestion, increased access for students (500,000 in Ouagadougou).
- PPP financing: An innovative model combining public and private funds, replicable in West Africa.
Strategic role under the Traoré presidency: Initiated by Ibrahim Traoré, this program illustrates the government’s priority on social infrastructure in the face of security and economic challenges. Simon Tiemtoré of Vista Bank welcomes the trust placed in the project, promising further collaboration for “national pride.”
Perspectives: Towards sustainable mobility
These 530 modernized buses will allow for expanded coverage of urban and suburban routes, with enhanced maintenance by SOTRACO (director Drissa Sawadogo). In the long term, the integration of electric or hybrid buses is possible, aligned with ECOWAS regional ambitions for green transport.
Challenges to overcome:
- Maintenance in the face of degraded roads and the Sahelian climate.
- Extension to other cities (Bobo-Dioulasso, Koudougou).
- Affordable pricing for the working class and students.
This mega-investment marks a turning point for urban planning in Burkina Faso: concrete, rapid, and serving citizens within a context of asserted sovereignty.
