01Fortunes forged in demanding conditions
Around Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkinabè fortunes have been built on gold — the country is one of the continent's leading producers — and its subcontracting chain, on cotton and agro-industry, trade, transport and real estate. The more uncertain environment of recent years has made these families particularly clear-eyed about one necessity: that part of the family's wealth should exist, under any scenario, outside the region.
02The challenges we encounter
The first challenge is defensive: building a wealth reserve outside the region — liquid, documented, in the family's name — sized to ensure continuity whatever happens: the children's education (France, Canada, Morocco), a European roof over their heads, the capacity to rebuild. The second is constructive: putting that reserve to work in prudent allocations, and setting it within a clean succession plan. The third is documentary: in a context of heightened vigilance, impeccable traceability of funds is the key that opens every European door.
03A concrete example
Issa, 51, runs a mining-services and transport business in Ouagadougou. Two children studying in Montreal and Toulouse. His stated objective: "that the family be safe, whatever happens here". The arrangement: Luxembourg life insurance (1,8 M€) built up progressively over three years with full documentation of the flows, an apartment in Toulouse held through a French société civile (family property company) (student housing first, then rental income), international protection cover, and beneficiary clauses aligned with the family's plans. The reserve exists, grows, and does not weaken the business.
04How we work with Burkina Faso
Mostly remotely, with absolute discretion and a rhythm adapted to our clients' constraints. Reserves are built in stages, each transfer prepared and documented. We coordinate with your advisers in Ouagadougou and your banks across the UEMOA zone. New relationships are opened by invitation or referral only.
05Frequently asked questions
Does the security situation complicate your work with clients?
It makes it all the more necessary. In practice, it mainly changes the rhythm — more remote work, adjusted travel — and heightens the documentation requirements of European banks. None of these obstacles is insurmountable for a well-prepared file.
How much is needed to build a meaningful reserve outside the region?
The reserve should be sized against its purpose — family continuity, education, the capacity to rebuild — rather than against an abstract threshold. Our engagements generally begin at several million euros of total wealth, with the European reserve representing a fraction of it.
Can the reserve be built up gradually?
It is in fact the best method: staggered contributions, each one documented, build a solid banking history and smooth out entry points into the markets. Most of our Burkinabè files are built this way, over two to four years.
ASTERALE is a French firm, registered with ORIAS (no. 23 007 423) and subject to the French authorities (AMF, ACPR). Our guidance covers the structuring, investment and transmission of the French and European portion of your wealth, in coordination with your local advisers for the remainder. New relationships are opened by invitation or referral, in compliance with applicable French and local regulations.
A first conversation — confidential, without obligation, in French or English, by video call or in Paris.
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