Company Formation in Burkina Faso
A complete guide to navigating CEFORE and API-BF. Learn the requirements, OHADA corporate structures, and timelines for establishing a legal entity in West Africa’s resilient mining and agricultural hub.
Consult Our Burkina Faso Setup TeamThe Role of CEFORE and MEBF
Business registration in Burkina Faso is highly centralized through the Centre de Formalités des Entreprises (CEFORE), which operates under the umbrella of the Maison de l’Entreprise du Burkina Faso (MEBF). CEFORE functions as a true “One-Stop Shop,” drastically reducing the administrative burden of incorporation.
For foreign direct investment, the Investment Promotion Agency of Burkina Faso (API-BF) is your primary partner. API-BF facilitates the application of the national Investment Code, which offers substantial tax holidays and customs exemptions, particularly for the mining, energy, and agribusiness sectors.
3 – 7 Days
Average CEFORE Turnaround
27.5%
Standard Corporate Tax (IS)
OHADA Jurisdiction
Uniform corporate laws across 17 African member states
Types of Companies You Can Register
Burkina Faso operates under the OHADA uniform acts, providing standardized, reliable corporate vehicles.
Limited Liability Company (SARL)
The Société à Responsabilité Limitée (SARL) is the most preferred entity for SMEs and foreign subsidiaries. While OHADA allows countries to lower the minimum capital, a standard SARL in Burkina Faso typically requires a minimum share capital of 1,000,000 FCFA (approx. $1,650 USD).
Joint Stock Company (SA)
The Société Anonyme (SA) is designed for large-scale operations, especially in the mining sector, and public capital raising. It requires a minimum share capital of 10,000,000 FCFA, mandatory appointment of a statutory auditor, and stricter corporate governance rules.
Branch Office (Succursale)
Foreign companies executing specific local contracts can register a branch. Under OHADA law, a branch must be converted into a fully registered local subsidiary (SARL or SA) after two years of operation, unless a special exemption is granted by the Ministry of Trade.
The Formation Process
Notarization & Capital Deposit
In Burkina Faso, the intervention of a Notary Public is standard practice for drafting the Articles of Association (Statuts). The initial share capital must be deposited in a blocked bank account or with the notary, who will issue a Declaration of Subscription and Payment (DSV).
CEFORE Submission
The complete incorporation dossier is submitted to CEFORE. This single window automatically distributes your application to the Commercial Registry (RCCM), the Tax Authority (DGI), and the Social Security Fund (CNSS).
Obtaining IFU and RCCM
Within a few days, CEFORE issues your Unique Financial Identifier (IFU) for tax purposes, your RCCM extract proving legal existence, and your CNSS employer registration number.
Sector-Specific Licensing
Depending on your industry (particularly mining, telecom, or specialized agriculture), you must apply for operational licenses from the respective ministries before commencing commercial activities.
Foreign Investors & API-BF Incentives
Burkina Faso allows 100% foreign ownership across most sectors. To maximize your return on investment, foreign entities should closely engage with API-BF to access the Burkina Faso Investment Code.
The Investment Code offers various incentive regimes based on the size of the investment and the region it is located in (investing outside the capital, Ouagadougou, often yields higher benefits). These include significant corporate tax holidays and exemptions from customs duties on imported industrial equipment.
Speak with an Advisory ExpertCompliance to Watch
- ⚠️ OHADA Accounting Standards: Burkina Faso strictly enforces the OHADA Uniform Act on Accounting Law (SYSCOHADA). You must maintain your corporate books locally according to these regional standards.
- ⚠️ Language Requirements: French is the absolute standard for all legal, administrative, and corporate documentation. Foreign parent company documents must be accompanied by sworn French translations.
- ⚠️ Exchange Controls: As a member of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU/UEMOA), capital movements outside the CFA Franc zone are subject to strict documentary requirements and central bank approvals.
Need Professional Assistance?
Navigating CEFORE, drafting OHADA-compliant statutes in French, and securing API-BF industrial incentives requires highly specialized local expertise. Let our corporate advisors handle the bureaucracy and complete your setup in Burkina Faso.
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