Burkina Faso: SAMAO 2026 Recommandations Souveraineté Minière AES Adopted

• The 8th SAMAO and 1st SEMH-AES events concluded in Ouagadougou on September 18, 2026, after five days.
• These combined forums featured seven panels, six ordinary sessions, and four technical sessions.
• Four strategic recommendations were adopted to strengthen the sovereign governance of extractive resources.
• The recommendations aim to consolidate control over mining, energy, and hydrocarbon sectors within the AES region.

These recommendations are specifically designed to bolster the sovereign governance of extractive resources within the AES space.

Ouagadougou recently hosted the culmination of two significant regional events focused on the extractive sector. The 8th edition of the Semaine des activités minières d'Afrique de l'Ouest (SAMAO), a long-standing fixture in the West African mining calendar, was held concurrently with the inaugural Semaine de l'énergie, des mines et des hydrocarbures de l'AES (SEMH-AES). This coupling marked a notable convergence of established regional dialogue with a new initiative specifically tailored for the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

These combined forums concluded on September 18, 2026, following an intensive five-day period of discussions and collaborative work. The dual event underscored a concerted effort within the region to address critical issues pertaining to its vast mineral and energy resources. The choice of Ouagadougou as the host city for these pivotal gatherings further highlighted its central role in facilitating regional cooperation on resource management and policy formulation.

The comprehensive program of the SAMAO 2026 and SEMH-AES events was structured to foster in-depth analysis and strategic planning. Over the five days, participants engaged in a rigorous schedule that included seven distinct panels, six ordinary sessions, and an additional four technical sessions. This multi-faceted approach allowed for a broad exploration of challenges and opportunities across the mining, energy, and hydrocarbon sectors.

The culmination of these extensive deliberations was the adoption of four strategic recommendations. These recommendations are specifically designed to bolster the sovereign governance of extractive resources within the AES space. Their formulation reflects a clear intent to empower member states with greater control and oversight over their natural wealth, ensuring that the benefits are maximized for regional development and stability.

The focus on sovereign governance of extractive resources, particularly within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), represents a critical policy direction. The four strategic recommendations emerging from SAMAO 2026 and SEMH-AES are intended to provide a framework for member nations to assert stronger authority over their mining and energy sectors. This emphasis on `souveraineté minière AES` aims to shift the balance of power, ensuring that resource exploitation aligns more closely with national and regional interests.

By consolidating sovereign governance, the AES region seeks to enhance its capacity to manage its mineral and energy assets independently and effectively. These recommendations are poised to influence future policy decisions, regulatory frameworks, and operational practices across the member states, ultimately contributing to a more equitable and beneficial utilization of the region's natural endowments for its people.

Source: Reporting based on original event outcomes.