Burkina Faso’s newly established Faso Airports Company – Société des Aéroports du Faso (SAFA) has officially appointed its first Director General, Malegdibkièta Saturnin Théophile Bikyenga. The installation ceremony, held in Ouagadougou on 10 October 2025, was presided over by the Minister of State, Minister of Territorial Administration and Mobility, Émile Zerbo. Bikyenga’s appointment was approved by the Council of Ministers during its regular session on 18 September 2025.
In his inaugural address, Bikyenga expressed his gratitude to the country’s leadership, in particular to President Captain Ibrahim Traoré, for the confidence placed in him through this appointment. He praised the President’s vision for developing the national air transport sector and pledged to lead SAFA with integrity, commitment and a focus on achieving tangible results. He called for close cooperation among all aviation stakeholders and institutional partners, emphasising that the challenges ahead can only be overcome through shared effort and unity of purpose.
Outlining his roadmap, Bikyenga said SAFA’s priorities will include rehabilitating Bobo-Dioulasso International Airport with modern infrastructure, modernising Ouagadougou International Airport to enhance passenger comfort and airline services, and strengthening safety and security across all airport platforms. He also confirmed that the implementation of the new Donsin International Airport remains a key component of the national aviation strategy.
Minister Zerbo congratulated the new Director General and highlighted the government’s high expectations for SAFA’s performance. He urged all relevant departments to support the new organisation, noting the importance of synergy between transport and territorial administration in advancing mobility and infrastructure development.
Created by decree on 18 June 2025, SAFA consolidates three previous entities — the Donsin Airport Project Authority (MOAD), the Regulatory Authority for Ground Handling (RACGAE) and the Delegation for National Aeronautical Activities (DAAN). This reform is designed to provide Burkina Faso with a unified, efficient structure responsible for managing, developing and modernising all airports nationwide.
