By Biran Gaye
Burkina Faso’s junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traore has inaugurated a new tomato processing plant in Bobo-Dioulasso, reiterating the country’s commitment to economic independence through the addition of value to one of its raw materials, according to RTB as reported by AES info.
Captain Traore praised what he calls the result of an ‘unprecedented collective effort’.
Funded largely by a popular contribution launched by the Agency for the Promotion of Community Entrepreneurship (APEC), this plant is a symbol of the determination of the Burkinabe people to ensure their economic sovereignty.
Captain Ibrahim Traoré, President of Faso, welcomed this civic commitment, stressing the importance of supporting local initiatives aimed at creating added value and jobs. With a processing capacity of six tons of fresh tomatoes per hour, this plant is expected to generate 187 direct jobs and 10,000 indirect jobs, reports say.
Through this project, APEC has focused on the professional integration of young people by recruiting 75% of its staff from among the least experienced. In addition, the construction work has made it possible to hire 200 additional people, thus helping to boost the local economy.
The Bobo-Dioulasso plant is reportedly expected to generate an annual turnover of 8 billion FCFA in the first five years.
Local reports say APEC plans to inaugurate a similar plant in Tenkodogo in the coming months, in order to cover national needs and conquer new export markets.
