National Archives Centre of Burkina Faso Centre des Archives Nationales

Overview

The National Archives Centre of Burkina Faso (Centre des Archives Nationales) is the official national archival institution of Burkina Faso, responsible for the preservation of, and access to, the country's governmental and administrative records. It is located in Ouagadougou and operates under the authority of the Government of Burkina Faso.

History and Founding

The National Archives Centre was established in 2014, consolidating previously fragmented archival functions within the Burkinabè government. It succeeded earlier archival structures that had operated since independence in 1960, drawing on records accumulated during both the colonial period under French Upper Volta and the post-independence governments. The institution formalised national archival policy and set standards for records management across government ministries and agencies.

Collections and Holdings

The centre holds governmental and administrative records from the colonial period (French Upper Volta) through successive post-independence governments, including the periods of the Republic of Upper Volta, the military governments, and the Republic of Burkina Faso from 1984 onward. Records include administrative correspondence, colonial-era documents, official gazettes, civil records, and documentation of key historical events in Burkinabè political history. The collections are relevant for researchers studying West African history, French colonial administration, and post-independence African governance.

Access and Usage

The National Archives Centre provides access to its holdings for researchers and the public in Ouagadougou, subject to applicable access regulations for government records. Information about the institution is available via its Wikipedia entry and through official government channels.