Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso's space sector is anchored by public-sector presence.
Most of what's recorded for Burkina Faso falls under public-sector presence, alongside activity in commercial activity and academic capacity. Compared with West African countries captured on Spacehubs Africa tracked on the platform, it ranks 5 of 15 by recorded activity. (14 of 55 continent-wide.)
Coverage Rank
5 of 15
Captured Records
28
Benchmark Scope
West African countries captured on Spacehubs Africa
14 of 55 continent-wide
This is a platform-coverage benchmark, not an official national capability ranking.
Overview
Burkina Faso does not yet have an operational space agency, but has been developing its first satellite, BurkinaSat-1, since 2020 through a partnership with Chinese technical partners. The 3U Earth observation nanosatellite is designed to improve rainfall forecasting, strengthen climate resilience, and identify water resources, with data processing supported by a ground station at Norbert-Zongo University in Koudougou. Assembly was completed and integration testing was under way as of early 2025, with launch subject to ongoing scheduling. Establishment of a national space agency to coordinate subsequent missions is a stated government priority. Burkina Faso has participated in the ActInSpace hackathon through a partnership between CNES and the African Aeronautics and Space Organisation (AASO). Political transitions since 2022 have affected institutional continuity, though the satellite programme has continued under the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
International Collaborations
Active and high-signal collaboration records currently captured for this country.
Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, Including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies
+104
Sustainable Wetlands and Flood Management in West Africa
+4
Show all collaborations
African Group on Earth Observations
+31
Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space
+104
Observatory for Biodiversity and Protected Areas in West Africa
+10
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