Burkina Faso, known as the "Land of Upright People," is a nation in West Africa celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, welcoming communities, and breathtaking attractions, such as the Sindou Peaks and the Ruins of Loropéni.
With a highly skilled talent pool, cost-effective hiring options, and rapidly improving digital infrastructure, this vibrant country is a compelling choice for employers seeking to expand their remote teams.
Key Takeaways:
- Burkina Faso offers a skilled workforce at a competitive minimum wage of 45,000 CFA, making remote hiring a cost-effective option for employers.
- The country has a young, educated population due to significant government investment in education (20.3% of GDP).
- Popular sectors for remote work include IT, digital marketing, customer support, and cybersecurity.
Advantages of Hiring in Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso's young and rapidly growing population of over 20 million is becoming increasingly skilled because of considerable government investment in education, with a significant 20.3% of GDP allocated to educational improvements.
The country's solid economic growth, with a projected GDP of USD 76.5 billion by 2043, positions it for a promising future in infrastructure and employment advancements.
Here's a quick snapshot of Burkina Faso:
- Language: French
- Currency: West African CFA Franc (XOF)
- Capital City: Ouagadougou
- Population: 23 million
- Cost of Living Rank: 124th
Burkina Faso's Digital Transformation
The World Bank's USD 150 million Digital Acceleration Project is transforming Burkina Faso's infrastructure, public services, and digital skills.
Over the past decade, infrastructure advancements — particularly in information and communication technology (ICT) have contributed 1.3% to annual per capita GDP growth.
Also, with nearly 60% of the population covered by GSM networks and internet penetration at 28.60%, the country is making it easier for its citizens to seek remote work opportunities for global employers.
Popular sectors for remote work in Burkina Faso include:
- Education and Training
- Information Technology
- Customer Support
- Digital Marketing
- Graphic Design
- Cyber Security
- IT Support
Employment Laws: Hiring Compliantly in Burkina Faso
Employment Contracts
There are two primary types of employment contracts in Burkina Faso:
- Fixed-Term Contracts: Limited to a maximum of 2-3 years
- Indefinite-Term Contracts: Implemented for long-term employment relationships, typically after a fixed-term contract ends
All contracts must be written in French and signed by the employer and employee.
Working Hours & Pay
The standard workweek is 40 hours, Monday through Friday. Any work exceeding this is considered overtime. Those rates vary between 15% and 120% above the regular hourly wage.
As of 2024, the minimum monthly wage in Burkina Faso's formal sector is XOF 45,000.
Probation Periods
The standard probation period in Burkina Faso is typically three months. However, it can sometimes be extended, depending on the employee's role.
Employer Taxes
Employers in Burkina Faso must contribute 16% of an employee's salary to the National Social Security Fund. This contribution covers social benefits such as occupational accident insurance, family allowances, and old-age pensions.
Termination Process & Severance Pay
In Burkina Faso, employers can terminate employment contracts for causes such as economic necessity, serious misconduct, or contract expiration. However, employers must provide a written explanation and follow specific notice periods laid out by local employment laws.
The notice period for terminations in Burkina Faso varies based on the employee's role, as follows:
- 8 days' notice: Hourly or Daily Wage Workers
- 1 month's notice: Full-time Employees
- 3 months' notice: Managers, Supervisors, or Technicians
Employees with at least one year of continuous service without serious misconduct are eligible for severance pay. The amount depends on the length of service and the employee's salary.
Paid Leave Laws in Burkina Faso
Vacation and Holiday
Burkina Faso offers employees 22 days of annual leave after they complete one year of service. This amount of leave increases with tenure.
After 20 years of continuous service, employees earn an additional two days of leave per year, which increases to an extra four days after 25 years and six days after 30 years.
Employees also receive paid leave for several public holidays, including:
- New Year's Day
- International Women's Day
- Labor Day
- Independence Day
- Christmas
Sick Leave
Employees in Burkina Faso are entitled to paid sick leave after submitting a medical certificate from an authorized medical institute.
The duration of sick leave is determined by length of service, as follows:
- Less than 1 year: 2 months
- 1-5 years: 4 months
- 6-10 years: 5 months
- 11-15 years: 6 months
- 15+ years: 8 months
Employers cannot terminate an employee for up to one year due to illness.
Maternity Leave
Pregnant employees in Burkina Faso are eligible for 14 weeks of fully paid maternity leave after working for at least three months. This typically includes eight weeks of prenatal leave (a minimum of four weeks before the due date) and six weeks of postnatal leave.
The social insurance program covers this leave, which can be extended by three weeks if there are health issues.
Paternity Leave
Fathers receive three days of paid paternity leave.
Remote Work Opportunities in Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso is gaining attention among digital nomads for its comfortable lifestyle, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. The capital, Ouagadougou, offers a lively urban atmosphere with a growing expat community, reliable internet, and emerging co-working spaces.
Although the country doesn't have a dedicated digital nomad visa, the short-stay visa allows a 90-day stay, making it a viable option for remote workers.
How to Pay Remote Workers in Burkina Faso
Employers can pay remote workers in Burkina Faso via bank transfers and digital platforms like Wise or cryptocurrency. However, these methods can be complex due to currency exchange issues, potential payroll errors, and tax and labor compliance challenges.
Partnering with an Employer of Record (EOR) can simplify the payment process and ensure compliance.
Hire in Burkina Faso with RemoFirst
RemoFirst simplifies global hiring. As an EOR, we handle all HR-related tasks for global teams, including onboarding, payroll management, and compliance with local labor laws. This makes it easy to hire and manage remote teams in 180+ countries, including Burkina Faso.
Book a demo with RemoFirst today, and let us help you build your remote team hassle-free.
