---
type: country
domain: crypto-regulation
status: stable
tags: ["crypto-regulation", "africa_west", "cfatf", "restricted"]
aliases: ["BF", "BFA"]
created: 2026-09-09
updated: 2025-01-01
compile_into: ["[[country--burkina-faso]]"]
sources:
  - name: "BCEAO"
    url: "https://www.bceao.int"
    type: "official"
  - name: "Code general des impots du Burkina Faso"
    url: "https://dgi.bf/verification/CGI"
    type: "official"
  - name: "BCEAO: international conference on crypto-assets (May 2026)"
    url: "https://www.bceao.int/fr/content/conference-internationale-sur-les-crypto-actifs-et-les-innovations-numeriques-la-bceao"
    type: "official"
---

# 🇧🇫 [[country--burkina-faso|Burkina Faso]] (BF): Crypto Regulation

> Burkina Faso operates under the regional regulatory framework of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UMOA) and BCEAO, with no specific national crypto regulations. The regulatory environment is cautious, with crypto activities generally restricted due to lack of explicit frameworks.

## Overview

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Status | Restricted |
| Risk Score | 55/100 (High Risk) |
| Enforcement Level | Low |
| Region | [[domain--africa|africa west]] |
| Currency | [[entity--xof|XOF]] |

## Tax

| Type | Rate |
|------|------|
| Capital Gains (Personal) | No crypto-specific rules; individuals are taxed under schedular taxes, and the capital gains tax (TPVI) covers only real estate and real-estate company shares, so no rule specifically reaches crypto gains |
| Capital Gains (Corporate) | 27.5% corporate income tax; capital gains included in taxable profit |
| VAT on Crypto | No |

No crypto-specific tax rules. Individuals are taxed under schedular taxes and the only general capital gains tax applies to real estate; companies include capital gains in profits taxed at 27.5%.

## Licensing

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Required | No |
| Regulator | [[entity--bceao|BCEAO]] |
| Framework | No specific crypto framework |
| Ease | N/A |
| Cost | N/A |
| Timeline | N/A months |

No crypto licensing framework. The BCEAO has set up a committee to develop a crypto-asset regulatory framework for the UMOA; until then no licensing path exists.

## AML / KYC

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| KYC Required | Yes |
| Travel Rule | Yes |
| FATF Member | No |
| FATF Status | compliant |

## DeFi

**Status:** Unclear

No DeFi regulation.

## Stablecoins

**Status:** no_rules

No stablecoin framework.

## NFTs

**Status:** no_rules

No NFT regulation.

## Mining

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Legal | No |
| Electricity Cost | $0.18/kWh |
| Renewable Energy | 15% |
| Climate | tropical |
| Infrastructure | poor |

Crypto mining is restricted in Burkina Faso under current regulations; infrastructure and energy costs are challenging for mining operations.

## Geopolitics

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Stability | unstable |
| Sanctions | No |
| Corruption Index | 22/100 |
| Ease of Business | difficult |
| Internet Freedom | partly_free |
| Banking Access | restricted |
| Sanctions Programs Active | No |

### Recent Political Events

- 2023-10: Military coup in Burkina Faso: Increased regulatory uncertainty and risk for crypto businesses.

## Enforcement

Minimal enforcement activity.

## CBDC Status: none

## FAQ

### Is cryptocurrency legal in Burkina Faso?

Burkina Faso operates under the regional regulatory framework of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UMOA) and BCEAO, with no specific national crypto regulations. The regulatory environment is cautious, with crypto activities generally restricted due to lack of explicit frameworks.

### What is the FATF status of Burkina Faso?

Burkina Faso is classified by FATF as: compliant.

### What is the AML/KYC regime in Burkina Faso?

KYC is mandatory for crypto businesses.

---

*Data source: [Soken Crypto Legal Map](https://soken.dev/crypto-map/). Last reviewed: 2026-09-09.*

**Sources:**
- [BCEAO](https://www.bceao.int)
- [Code general des impots du Burkina Faso](https://dgi.bf/verification/CGI)
- [BCEAO: international conference on crypto-assets (May 2026)](https://www.bceao.int/fr/content/conference-internationale-sur-les-crypto-actifs-et-les-innovations-numeriques-la-bceao)