Burkina Faso Cuts Four Public Holidays to Boost State Revenues

Burkina Faso’s Council of Ministers has approved a new bill that eliminates four public holidays in an effort to ease pressure on state finances and improve productivity. The reform, passed on September 11, reduces the number of official holidays from 15 to 11.

According to a study by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, public holidays currently cost the country more than 67.5 billion CFA francs (over 117 million US dollars) annually in lost working time. Officials estimate that each day of paid leave translates into 4.22 billion CFA francs in economic losses for the state.

By cutting four holidays, the government hopes to recover part of this lost revenue and adjust working hours across public and private administrations. The Council of Ministers said the measure is part of broader reforms designed to strengthen economic resilience and support national development goals.

The bill also designates certain days as moments of “remembrance and reflection,” ensuring that while the number of paid holidays is reduced, important historical and cultural commemorations remain recognised. If fully implemented, the measure is expected to come into effect in 2025.

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