Burkina Faso boosts local tomato processing with new factories

BURKINA FASO – Burkina Faso has taken notable steps to enhance its tomato processing capabilities with the launch of two new factories in Yako and Bobo-Dioulasso, aimed at reducing dependency on imported tomato puree and supporting local agriculture.

Société Faso Tomates (SOFATO) has inaugurated a state-of-the-art tomato processing factory in Yako, in northern Burkina Faso. 

Covering 1 hectare, the facility represents an US$8.9M investment and boasts a processing capacity of 100 tonnes of tomatoes per day (equivalent to 5 tonnes per hour).

This development highlights the country’s commitment to harnessing its agricultural potential, as Burkina Faso is the fourth-largest tomato producer in West Africa, harvesting 313,500 tonnes in 2022. 

However, reliance on imports remains substantial, with approximately 23,600 tonnes of tomato puree brought into the country during the same year.

Bobo-Dioulasso adds SOBTO’s US$11.9M factory

In November 2024, the country witnessed another milestone with the opening of an US$11.9M tomato processing plant in Bobo-Dioulasso, its second-largest city. 

Operated by Société Burkinabè de Tomates (SOBTO), this factory is part of the government’s community entrepreneurship initiative, overseen by the Agency for the Promotion of Community Entrepreneurship (APEC).

The facility, supported by 80% equity investment through popular shareholding and 20% state participation, can process 6 tonnes of tomatoes per hour. It produces 800 kilograms of concentrate per hour, which will be marketed under the brand name “A’diaa.”

Self-sufficiency in tomato processing

Trendtype estimates indicate that, at full operational capacity, the two factories combined could produce more than 29,000 tonnes of tomato puree annually. 

This output would surpass the country’s current import volumes, positioning Burkina Faso as self-sufficient in tomato puree production while also potentially creating opportunities for export.

Regional developments in tomato processing

The trend of investing in tomato processing facilities extends beyond West Africa. In Egypt, Bulgarian agribusiness Balkan Agricultural is developing a US$16.7M factory in New October City, near Cairo. 

Set to be completed by the end of 2025, the facility will cover 7.6 hectares and process between 350,000 and 400,000 tonnes of tomatoes annually, resulting in 70,000 tonnes of tomato paste each year.

This Egyptian facility will rely on locally sourced industrial tomato crops and cater to both domestic and export markets. 

Egypt, the third-largest producer of industrial tomatoes in Africa after Algeria and Tunisia, exported US$92 million worth of canned tomatoes in 2023, demonstrating the growing regional demand for tomato products.