Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso — In a landmark business development for West Africa, Burkinabè entrepreneur Idrissa Nassa has finalized the complete acquisition of TotalEnergies Burkina, the local subsidiary of the French oil multinational. The agreement was officially concluded last week in Dakar, Senegal, marking the transfer of ownership to Coris Invest, Nassa’s investment company.
A Strategic Acquisition
The deal positions Nassa, one of Burkina Faso’s most prominent business leaders, at the forefront of the country’s energy sector. With TotalEnergies Burkina now under local ownership, the acquisition is seen as a significant step toward reinforcing national control over strategic resources and boosting indigenous participation in industries long dominated by foreign multinationals.
Details of the financial terms were not disclosed, but insiders describe the move as one of the most important private sector transactions in Burkina Faso in recent years.
From Banking to Energy
Idrissa Nassa is best known as the founder and executive chairman of Coris Bank International (CBI), one of West Africa’s leading financial institutions. Through Coris Invest, his diversified investment arm, Nassa has expanded into multiple sectors including finance, real estate, and now energy.
Analysts say the acquisition of TotalEnergies Burkina reflects his vision of creating a Burkinabè-owned conglomerate with influence across critical sectors of the regional economy.
Symbol of African Economic Empowerment
The deal has been widely celebrated in Burkina Faso and beyond as a symbol of African entrepreneurship and self-reliance. Supporters hailed it as an example of how African investors can reclaim control of strategic assets while stimulating job creation and local economic growth.
“It is a proud moment for Burkina Faso and for Africa,” said one regional economist. “For decades, our energy sectors have been dominated by foreign players. Moves like this one prove that African entrepreneurs can take the lead.”
Looking Ahead
With this acquisition, Coris Invest is expected to retain the existing operational structure of TotalEnergies Burkina while expanding services to meet the country’s growing demand for petroleum products. Observers also believe Nassa may leverage the company to pursue cross-border opportunities in West Africa’s energy market.
For many, the development represents more than a business transaction. It is seen as a turning point in the narrative of African ownership, demonstrating that homegrown investors can take charge of sectors that are vital to national economies.
