What are Burkina Faso’s main exports?

Burkina Faso’s economy relies on a variety of agricultural and mineral products for its export trade. The country's main exports include:

• Cotton: A primary agricultural export.12
• Gold: A significant mineral resource with active mining operations.13
• Livestock: A principal source of revenue for the nation.12
• Agricultural products: Including shea nuts, sesame, sugarcane, and fruit.12

While Burkina Faso possesses substantial deposits of manganese—potentially one of the world's richest sources—its exploitation and export are currently limited by transport infrastructure challenges. Overall, the country maintains a deficit in its balance of payments, as the total value of its exports is generally insufficient to cover the cost of necessary imports like machinery, petroleum, and chemical products.31