Burkina Faso revives textile industry with local uniforms

In Burkina Faso, the government is encouraging the use of locally produced fabrics, like Faso Dan Fani and cencingu, in school, military, and judicial uniforms to support the country’s textile industry.

Since Captain Ibrahim Traoré took office in 2022, the state has implemented policies promoting Burkinabè fabrics through decrees and pilot programs.

Schools in four municipalities trialed the use of traditional fabrics for uniforms twice weekly during the 2025 to 2026 school year, with plans for wider implementation starting in 2026 to 2027. Courts began using Faso Dan Fani attire in October 2024, and orders from security forces and public institutions are increasing demand for locally made textiles.

Garment engineer Abdoul Ben Isaac Compaoré’s workshop successfully produced 252 officer cadet uniforms in four weeks, utilising a completely Burkinabè supply chain, from FILSAH yarn to fabrics woven by women. FILSAH, a company investing 18.5 billion CFA francs (US$32.7 million) in domestic yarn production, has an annual capacity of 10,000 tonnes and provides jobs for 550 people.

While demand is rising, weavers like Véronique Thiombiano Yonli and Alizèta Ouoba Nikiéma report increased business and are sourcing yarn locally, challenges remain in expanding production capacity and ensuring equitable access to contracts and resources. The government is also constructing a National Centre for the Support of Artisanal Cotton Processing to aid workshops in meeting larger orders.