IAMGOLD invests US$2 million to boost local economic development in Burkina Faso alongside UN agency
IAMGOLD is partnering with the United Nations Development Programme (@UNDP) to support local economic development in Burkina Faso. Through the two-year agreement, a total of US$2.5 million will be invested, of which US$2 million will be directly funded by IAMGOLD. The investment will benefit four of IAMGOLD’s closest host communities located near its Essakane mine. These communities are Falagountou, Markoye, Gorom-Gorom and Dori.
The partnership will help develop and implement a variety of projects focused on boosting local employment and reducing poverty. In particular, it will provide immediate help, assistance and economic opportunities to more than 65,000 people who have been displaced as a result of the conflict in the northern region of the country.
“The Essakane mine and all its staff are honoured to contribute to this project,” said Souleymane Boly, Country Manager, IAMGOLD. “The Essakane mine is a key player in Burkina’s economy and a major private employer. We are very proud to be part of this country’s social fabric and contribute to the region’s development through our mining activities as well as through our community development projects such as this one.”
About the UNDP
IAMGOLD’s partner on this project, the UNDP, is the United Nations’ lead agency on international development. Operating across 170 countries and territories, the UNDP works with a range of partners, like IAMGOLD, to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress.
“At IAMGOLD, we are committed to enriching the lives of our stakeholders and working co-operatively with our host communities so they can benefit from our company’s presence wherever we operate,” said Oumar Toguyeni, Senior Vice President, IAMGOLD’s External Affairs & Sustainability. “Programs like these are not only essential to sustainable community development, they are also an integral part of how we do business at IAMGOLD,” added Mr. Toguyeni
Learn more about the United Nations Development Programme at the www.undp.org.