The 17 regions of Burkina Faso and their capitals after the 2025 administrative reform. New regional names, capitals, meanings, and why this historic change matters.

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This explains the current regional structure, highlights the new region names, and explores the importance of the 2025 reform.

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Burkina Faso’s 2025 Administrative Reform

In line with Law No. 40/98/AN and reinforced in 2025, Burkina Faso pursued deeper decentralization by granting more administrative and financial autonomy to local communities.

Key Objectives of the Reform

• Strengthen state presence across the entire territory
• Improve governance and security coordination
• Promote local languages, culture, and history
• Reduce colonial-era naming conventions
• Enhance regional development planning

The reform also aligns with Burkina Faso’s broader vision of decolonization and endogenous governance, replacing externally imposed regional names with culturally meaningful ones.

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How Burkina Faso Is Administratively Organized

Burkina Faso now follows a three-tier administrative structure:

1. Regions (17) – Led by governors
2. Provinces (47) – Led by high commissioners
3. Communes – Urban and rural local governments

Each region serves as a strategic administrative hub, with its capital city acting as the center of governance and public services.

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List of the 17 Regions of Burkina Faso and Their Capitals

Below is the official list of regions of Burkina Faso (2025–present) with their corresponding capitals:

Region	Capital City
Bankui	Dédougou
Djôrô	Gaoua
Goulmou	Fada N’Gourma
Guiriko	Bobo-Dioulasso
Kadiogo	Ouagadougou
Kuilsé	Kaya
Liptako	Dori
Nakambé	Tenkodogo
Nando	Koudougou
Nazinon	Manga
Oubri	Ziniaré
Sirba	Bogandé
Soum	Djibo
Sourou	Tougan
Tannounyan	Banfora
Tapoa	Diapaga
Yaadga	Ouahigouya

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Newly Created Regions

Several regions were newly established or restructured in 2025 to improve administrative efficiency and territorial balance.

Sourou Region

Formed from Kossi, Nayala, and Sourou provinces, with Tougan as its capital. It is known for agriculture, fishing, and fertile plains.

Sirba Region

Created from Gnagna and Komondjari provinces. Bogandé serves as the capital, and the region is named after a major river.

Tapoa Region

Composed solely of Tapoa Province, with Diapaga as its capital. It plays a key role in conservation and cross-border trade.

Soum Region

Centered around Djibo, Soum has strong pastoral and ecological significance.

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Meaning Behind the New Regional Names

One unique aspect of the regions of Burkina Faso is the cultural meaning embedded in each name.

• Kadiogo – Named after a historic river near the Moogho Naaba’s palace
• Guiriko – Refers to an ancient kingdom with Bobo-Dioulasso as its capital
• Liptako – A Fulfulde expression symbolizing resilience
• Tannounyan – Means “hills or cliffs,” reflecting the Cascades landscape
• Yaadga – Honors the founders of the Yatenga Kingdom

These names reinforce Burkina Faso’s rich heritage and indigenous identity.

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Why the Regions of Burkina Faso Matter

The regions of Burkina Faso are not just administrative zones; they are engines of economic development, cultural preservation, and national security.

Benefits of the Regional System

• Improved service delivery
• Better security coordination
• Stronger local governance
• Balanced regional development
• Enhanced citizen participation

This structure ensures that governance reaches even the most remote areas of the country.

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Economic and Strategic Importance of Regional Capitals

Each regional capital plays a vital role:

• Ouagadougou (Kadiogo) – Political and administrative center
• Bobo-Dioulasso (Guiriko) – Economic and cultural hub
• Fada N’Gourma (Goulmou) – Eastern trade gateway
• Dori (Liptako) – Strategic Sahelian center
• Banfora (Tannounyan) – Tourism and agriculture hotspot

These cities anchor regional development initiatives and infrastructure growth.

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FAQs About the Regions of Burkina Faso

1. How many regions does Burkina Faso have in 2025?

Burkina Faso has 17 regions as of July 2025.

2. What is the capital of Burkina Faso?

The capital is Ouagadougou, located in the Kadiogo Region.

3. Why were the regions renamed?

To promote indigenous culture, strengthen national identity, and move away from colonial-era names.

4. Which region is the largest by area?

The Liptako Region is one of the largest, covering over 23,000 km².

5. What is the newest region in Burkina Faso?

Regions such as Sirba, Sourou, Tapoa, and Soum were created or restructured in the 2025 reform.

6. Who administers the regions of Burkina Faso?

Each region is governed by a Governor appointed by the state.

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The regions of Burkina Faso and their capitals reflect a bold and strategic transformation of the nation’s administrative landscape. The 2025 reform strengthens governance, embraces cultural heritage, and supports long-term development across the country.