-
Dimunayo Tengi
- 5 Min Read
Burkina Faso Billionaires: Top 10 Richest Men In Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso, a landlocked country in West Africa, is often overlooked in discussions about African wealth and entrepreneurship. Yet, beneath the surface, it boasts a group of highly successful businessmen who have built expansive empires across diverse industries such as telecommunications, construction, finance, agriculture, and mining. These men are not only the richest in the country but also play significant roles in its economic growth, job creation, and infrastructural development. This article delves deep into the top 10 richest men in Burkina Faso as of 2025, highlighting their sources of wealth, business ventures, and estimated net worth.
1. Apollinaire Compaoré – Estimated Net Worth: $800 Million
Apollinaire Compaoré holds the top spot as Burkina Faso's richest man. He began his career selling lottery tickets and, through sheer determination and vision, rose to become a business magnate. Compaoré is the founder and chairman of Planor Afrique, a diversified conglomerate involved in telecommunications, insurance, banking, and distribution.
One of his most notable business ventures is Telecel Faso, a leading telecommunications company in Burkina Faso. In addition, he has made significant inroads in the banking sector through WENDKUNI BANK INTERNATIONAL and in the insurance sector via UAB Assurances. His success story is a testament to perseverance and strategic investment. His companies employ thousands across West Africa, making him not only a wealthy individual but also a key player in regional economic development.
2. Mahamadou Bonkoungou – Estimated Net Worth: $600 Million
Second on the list is Mahamadou Bonkoungou, a prominent figure in the construction industry. He is the founder and CEO of EBOMAF (Entreprise Bonkoungou Mahamadou et Fils), a multinational construction and civil engineering company with operations across West Africa.
EBOMAF has undertaken some of the largest infrastructure projects in the region, including the construction of roads, airports, and government buildings. One of its most ambitious projects is the development of Gabon's Andem International Airport, valued at $370 million. In addition to construction, Bonkoungou has diversified his investments into aviation (Liz Aviation), finance (IB Holding), and retail distribution (Bonkoungou Distribution). His strategic diversification has propelled his net worth and solidified his status as one of Burkina Faso's most influential entrepreneurs.
3. Oumarou Kanazoé – Estimated Net Worth: $550 Million
Oumarou Kanazoé is a major force in Burkina Faso's construction industry. He founded the Kanazoé Group, a construction conglomerate involved in building critical infrastructure across the country and the West African sub-region. His company has played an integral role in the development of roads, bridges, and public facilities.
Kanazoé's ability to secure government contracts and execute large-scale projects efficiently has earned him both wealth and respect. His business operations have contributed significantly to national development while generating employment and stimulating related industries.
4. Inoussa Kanazoé – Estimated Net Worth: $500 Million
Inoussa Kanazoé is another heavyweight in Burkina Faso's industrial sector. He is best known as the founder of CIMFASO, one of the leading cement manufacturing companies in the country. Cement is a critical component of the construction industry, and Inoussa capitalized on the growing demand for building materials driven by urbanization and infrastructure projects.
Under his leadership, CIMFASO has grown rapidly and expanded its footprint beyond Burkina Faso. Inoussa's success underscores the importance of manufacturing in national development and showcases his sharp business acumen.
5. Idrissa Nassa – Estimated Net Worth: $350 Million
Idrissa Nassa is a banking mogul who has made his fortune through the financial sector. He is the founder and CEO of Coris Bank International, a leading bank in Burkina Faso with a growing presence in several West African countries. The bank offers a wide range of services including personal banking, corporate banking, and investment services.
Nassa's vision and leadership have transformed Coris Bank into a financial powerhouse. He has helped improve financial inclusion and provided funding solutions to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the region. His contributions to financial development have earned him accolades and significant wealth.
6. Salif Kaboré – Estimated Net Worth: $300 Million
Salif Kaboré has amassed his wealth primarily through the mining sector, which is one of the backbone industries of Burkina Faso. He owns several mining operations that focus on gold and other precious minerals. With gold being one of the country's top exports, Kaboré's business plays a crucial role in the national economy.
His mining ventures have generated substantial revenue, created jobs, and attracted foreign investment. His ability to navigate the complexities of the mining industry has positioned him among the country's wealthiest individuals.
7. Pascal Sawadogo – Estimated Net Worth: $250 Million
Pascal Sawadogo is a major player in Burkina Faso's agribusiness sector. His business empire spans large-scale farming, food processing, and exportation of agricultural products. Agriculture is a significant part of Burkina Faso's economy, and Sawadogo's enterprises have contributed to food security and rural development.
He has invested in modern farming techniques and agro-industrial facilities, helping to transform traditional agriculture into a more efficient and profitable sector. His success showcases the untapped potential within the country's agricultural landscape.
8. Lassiné Diawara – Estimated Net Worth: $200 Million
Lassiné Diawara made his fortune in the transportation and logistics sector. He owns and operates a fleet of trucks and logistics centers that facilitate the movement of goods across Burkina Faso and the wider West African region.
Transportation is a vital component of trade and commerce, and Diawara's logistics solutions have made him an essential figure in regional supply chains. His company supports various industries by ensuring timely delivery of goods and services.
9. Adama Kindo – Estimated Net Worth: $180 Million
Adama Kindo is one of the top entrepreneurs in Burkina Faso's tourism and hospitality sector. He owns several hotels and resorts that cater to both local and international tourists. The government’s efforts to promote tourism have provided a favorable environment for his business to thrive.
Kindo's investment in high-quality hospitality services has elevated the standard of tourism infrastructure in the country. His businesses are also significant employers in the service industry.
10. Alpha Barry – Estimated Net Worth: $7.8 Million
Alpha Barry is a journalist turned entrepreneur who previously served as Burkina Faso's Minister of Foreign Affairs. He is the founder of the Oméga Médias group, which operates Radio Oméga, one of the most influential media outlets in the country.
In 2016, Barry declared assets worth over 1.5 billion CFA francs (approximately $2.5 million), prompting public interest in the origins of his wealth. His media group plays a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and delivering news across the nation.
Conclusion
The richest men in Burkina Faso are not just affluent individuals but influential architects of national progress. Through investments in telecommunications, construction, finance, mining, agriculture, and other sectors, they have fueled economic growth, created jobs, and improved infrastructure. Their stories serve as inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and proof that vision, resilience, and strategic investment can yield extraordinary success even in developing economies. As Burkina Faso continues to grow, these business leaders will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of its economic transformation.
