Plizio Visual Lab

SOFITEX Bobo-Dioulasso

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

SOFITEX, the Société des Fibres Textiles, is the largest cotton company in Burkina Faso, with its administrative and industrial headquarters in Bobo-Dioulasso. Established in 1979 following the restructuring of the colonial-era CFDT, it manages the production, processing, and marketing of 'white gold,' which remains a cornerstone of the national economy. The company operates numerous ginning plants across the western and southern regions of the country, transforming raw seed cotton into export-grade fiber. SOFITEX provides technical support and agricultural inputs to hundreds of thousands of smallholder farmers through organized cooperatives. The cotton sector supports the livelihoods of approximately four million people in Burkina Faso and accounts for a significant portion of the country's foreign exchange earnings. Despite competition from synthetic fibers and fluctuating international prices, SOFITEX continues to play a vital socio-economic role by driving rural development and providing industrial employment.

Location: Burkina Faso
Top sights: Daouda · GAFREH · Centre Culturel Djelya
Nearby: Bama (27 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	25	28	31	31	30	28	26	25	25	26	26	24
Rain mm	1	6	15	55	105	150	229	278	199	72	5	0

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The SOFITEX plant in Bobo-Dioulasso is a central hub of Burkina Faso's cotton industry in the west of the country. It reflects the importance of cotton collection and processing for the regional economy.

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Visiting

The factory premises are not usually open to the public but can be seen from the adjacent streets. Occasionally, visits are arranged for school groups or professional visitors.

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Where to view it

A good viewpoint is the main road in front of the factory gate, where trucks with cotton bales can be observed. From the nearby bridge over the Oué River, one can overlook the entire industrial area.

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Local products

Besides processed cotton, local textiles from the region are available, often sold at Bobo-Dioulasso's markets. Seasonal products such as peanuts or sesame complement the agricultural offerings.

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Active season

The factory is most active during the main harvest season from December to March, when cotton arrives from surrounding growing areas. During these months, the machines often run around the clock.

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Nearby

Combine the visit with the bustling market of Bobo-Dioulasso to get a good impression of local textile trade. The nearby Banfora waterfalls are also worth a trip.

Geography

Coordinates

11.18000, -4.29700

Facts

Established in 1979 as a successor to the colonial-era CFDT.
Operates 15 cotton ginning plants across the entire country.
Directly supports more than 350,000 cotton farmers in cooperatives.
Cotton accounts for about 15% of the total export value of the country.
Headquartered in the industrial zone of Bobo-Dioulasso.
Maintains a technical fleet of over 500 transport vehicles.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Grand Mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso<1 km · WExplore →

Bobo-Dioulasso Hills2 km · NExplore →

FILSAH Textile Mill2 km · WExplore →

CIMASSO Bobo-Dioulasso3 km · SWExplore →

Koro Rock Village9 km · NExplore →

Kourou Forest12 km · SExplore →

Kou Valley Rice Mills25 km · SEExplore →

Diossor Mountains26 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town SOFITEX Bobo-Dioulasso (9)

Daouda

Viewpoint in Bobo-Dioulasso, offering a wide panorama of the city and its surroundings.

GAFREH

Arts centre in Bobo-Dioulasso, a venue for creative expression and cultural activities.

Centre Culturel Djelya

Cultural centre in Bobo-Dioulasso, promoting local arts and traditions.

Centre Culturel Français

French cultural centre in Bobo-Dioulasso with events, library, and language courses.

Place de la Nation

Monumental square in Bobo-Dioulasso, a central spot for gatherings and celebrations.

Théatre de l'Amitié

Theatre in Bobo-Dioulasso, hosting plays, dance, and music performances.

Musée du Houet🏛 museum

Museum in Bobo-Dioulasso, showcasing the history and culture of the Houet region.

ASPAC Musée de la Musique d'hier et aujourd'hui🏛 museum

Museum in Bobo-Dioulasso, dedicated to music history from past to present.

Rond point du cinquantenaire

Roundabout and monument in Bobo-Dioulasso, commemorating 50 years of independence.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is SOFITEX Bobo-Dioulasso?

It is the headquarters of the largest cotton company in Burkina Faso.

Can the factory be visited?

Visits are usually only allowed for professional groups with prior arrangement.

Why is this place economically important?

Cotton is the country's 'white gold', securing thousands of jobs.

When is the best time to visit the region?

Between November and March, when the cotton harvest is in full swing.

What is nearby?

The Grand Mosque of Bobo-Dioulasso and the old town Sya are nearby.

SOFITEX Bobo-Dioulasso: where is it located?

SOFITEX Bobo-Dioulasso is located in Burkina Faso.

SOFITEX Bobo-Dioulasso: what is there to see?

Highlights include Daouda, GAFREH, Centre Culturel Djelya.

SOFITEX Bobo-Dioulasso: when is the best time to visit?