U.S. & Burkina Faso
2008 Commercial Guide
Chapter 4 - Leading Sectors for U.S. Imports and Investments
Chapter 4-2 Telecommunications Equipment
The telecommunications field remains perhaps the best trade prospect for U.S. companies. Since the late 1980s, U.S. firms have supplied Burkina Faso's national telephone company (Onatel) with telecommunications equipment. The newly privatized companies Onatel, Celtel and Telecel currently manage projects aimed at increasing Burkina Faso’s telephone network.
Overview
2004 | 2005 | |
Total Market Size | na | na |
Total Local Production | 0 | 0 |
Total Exports | 0 | 0 |
Total Imports | $10,772,180 | $25,148,419 |
Imports from the U.S. | $594,900 | $492,973 |
(Information provided by Burkina Faso Customs Office)
Best Prospects/Services
The government parastatal, Onatel, recently sold 51 percent of its land and mobile phone service to Maroc Telecom.
Opportunities
There is renewed Burkinabe interest in U.S. manufactured telecommunications equipment. U.S. firms interested in entering this market should consider possible credit financing arrangements and appoint a local partner/representative.
Resources
Onatel: http://www.onatel.bf/
International Finance Corporation (IFC): http://www.ifc.org/