Burkina Faso’s Transitional Legislative Assembly (ALT) has adopted the draft law on the Urban Planning and Construction Code on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
Comprising 257 articles, this new text aims to modernise and strengthen urban governance in Burkina Faso.
Chaired by the Speaker of the Assembly, Dr. Ousmane Bougouma, the plenary session resulted in the unanimous adoption of the 71 voting members.
Before its final adoption, the draft law underwent a thorough review by parliamentarians, who introduced no fewer than 631 amendments, both substantive and procedural, demonstrating the extensive legislative work undertaken.
The previous Code, in force since May 2006, no longer fully addressed the economic, social, and technological developments observed over the past 20 years.
Launched in May 2024, the revision of the text was carried out through a participatory and inclusive process, involving the country’s main institutional, technical, and territorial stakeholders.
Structured into seven books and 257 articles, the new Code aims to simplify administrative procedures, clarify the responsibilities of the various stakeholders, and offer a more accessible, efficient, and action-oriented legal framework.
The government was represented during the debates by the Minister of National Construction, Mikailou Sidibe, who addressed the concerns raised by the members of parliament.
The Sustainable Development Commission (CDD) believes that “this reform will allow for better planning and control of urbanization, contribute to the sustainable improvement of living conditions for the population, combat informal housing, and strengthen building safety.”
She also recommended that the government ensures strict compliance with the transitional deadlines provided for by law and ensure an adequate transfer of resources to local authorities, which are called upon to play a central role in the implementation of urban planning and construction policies.
AP