Burkina Faso's Serge Poda Calls on Consumers to Refuse Complicity in Price Hike

• Burkina Faso's Minister of Industrial Development, Trade, Handicrafts and Small and Medium Enterprises, Serge Poda, called on economic operators to respect existing regulations and abandon speculative practices.
• Consumers were urged to be vigilant and not complicit in the price increase.
• The minister's appeal is set against the backdrop of Burkina Faso's consumer protection law, which regulates prices and prevents speculation.

He also urged consumers to be vigilant and not complicit in the price increase.

Burkina Faso's Minister of Industrial Development, Trade, Handicrafts and Small and Medium Enterprises, Serge Poda, held a press conference in Ouagadougou on August 10, 2026. The minister addressed the measures to combat the price hike of consumer goods. During the conference, he called on economic operators to strictly respect existing regulations and abandon speculative practices. He also urged consumers to be vigilant and not complicit in the price increase.

The minister's appeal is set against the backdrop of Burkina Faso's consumer protection law, which aims to regulate prices and prevent speculation. The law imposes strict controls on businesses, requiring them to justify any price increases. Failure to comply can result in penalties, including fines and even closure. Lawyers advising clients in Burkina Faso should be aware of these regulations and their potential impact on business operations.

The minister's call for consumers to refuse complicity in the price hike is significant because it highlights the need for collective action. By refusing to pay inflated prices, consumers can put pressure on businesses to respect regulations and control prices. This approach has been successful in other African countries with anti-speculation regulations. Burkina Faso's government may be considering similar measures to address the current crisis.

Lawyers advising clients in Burkina Faso should watch for potential enforcement of anti-speculation regulations and price control measures, which could impact business operations and compliance obligations.

Source: Original reporting via Le Ministère de l'Industrie, du Commerce et de l'Artisanat