WTO | Burkina Faso – Bringing dried mango to European consumers

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Burkina Faso – Bringing dried mango to European consumers

Ms Olia Ouedraogo, Marketing Manager of the Association Burkinabé Action Solidarité Femmes/Enfants (ABASF/E).

Why do you focus on exporting dried mango?

Agriculture is the backbone of our country, with nearly 80 per cent of the population relying on it. Mango farming alone provides around 64,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly. Dried mango has huge potential. There is strong global demand, especially in Europe, and the global dried fruit market is projected to reach US$ 10 billion by 2027.

What are some of the challenges you face?

There are several challenges, and I would say they fall into four main areas: market access, logistics, finance and global competition.

Exporting dried mango is not as simple as growing and drying fruit. When it comes to market access, we face high tariffs and complex non-tariff measures. Meeting sanitary and phytosanitary standards, for example, can be extremely costly. Just to get certified, we have to bring in foreign auditors, which adds to the expense. For small-scale producers, this is a major barrier.

Being landlocked must make things difficult.

That is the second big challenge. Because we do not have access to the sea, we rely on ports in neighbouring countries. Poor roads, customs delays and high shipping fees all pile up. For example, one of our containers was stuck at the port for over three weeks and we had to pay extra fees.

You also mentioned finance as a third issue.

Yes. Access to finance is a persistent problem. Many of our small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) cannot get the loans they need to invest in better equipment or expand operations. Without funding, we cannot grow. It is even harder for women entrepreneurs, who face a US$ 42 billion financing gap across Africa, according to the African Development Bank.

What is the role of women in the dried mango industry?

Women are at the heart of the mango value chain. They handle much of the processing, sorting, drying and packaging. Yet despite their contributions, they often lack access to land, credit and opportunities to export. Empowering women is not just a matter of equity – it is an economic necessity. Studies show that investing in women-led businesses boosts productivity and growth.

Competing globally must be tough, with major exporters leading the way.

Major mango-exporting countries, such as Thailand and Mexico, dominate the international market, benefitting from trade agreements, advanced processing technology and strong branding. For us in Burkina Faso to compete, we need strategic partnerships and targeted support.

So, what is the way forward? What can be done to support your industry?

Lower trade barriers: Reducing tariffs on dried mango from developing countries and simplifying certification processes will make a tangible difference.
Improve trade logistics: Digitizing customs processes and increasing port efficiency can cut costs and delays.
Enhance financial support: Creating financial mechanisms, especially for women-led agribusinesses, will empower more exporters to compete.
Strengthen partnerships: Connecting Burkinabé exporters directly with international buyers through trade fairs and digital platforms can open new opportunities.

Have there been any success stories?

With support from the Dutch Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI), we have received training, coaching and opportunities to attend trade fairs such as Biofach and SIAL. These platforms have helped us meet buyers and now we are exporting directly to the European Union. Initiatives such as the Global Trade Helpdesk and the Standards and Trade Development Facility are also making a difference.

Any final thoughts?

The dried mango industry in Burkina Faso has incredible potential. This is about more than trade – it is about improving livelihoods, promoting women’s empowerment and achieving sustainable economic growth. The WTO has an important role to play in creating a level playing field in which small exporters, particularly women entrepreneurs, have a genuine opportunity to succeed.