Mahamadou Bonkoungou is one of Burkina Faso’s most successful businessmen and the founder of the powerful construction company, EBOMAF Group. From modest beginnings, he built a multi-industry empire that now spans construction, finance, transport, and aviation across West Africa.

Early Life and Background

Mahamadou Bonkoungou was born in Dédougou, a city in Burkina Faso’s Boucle du Mouhoun Region. He began his entrepreneurial journey by trading small goods such as audio cassettes, generators, and gold. With strong determination and business acumen, he laid the foundation for what would become one of Africa’s most successful infrastructure companies.

Founding of EBOMAF Group

In 1989, Bonkoungou established EBOMAF (Entreprise Bonkoungou Mahamadou et Fils), initially focused on real estate and small construction projects. Over time, it evolved into a giant in civil engineering and infrastructure development, operating in several West African countries including:

• Burkina Faso

• Togo

• Benin

• Côte d’Ivoire

• Guinea

• Mali

EBOMAF is now responsible for major highways, airports, bridges, and government infrastructure projects across the region.

Diversification and Business Expansion

Beyond construction, Bonkoungou has expanded into other sectors:

• Finance: Through IB Holding, he acquired BTCI Bank in Togo, rebranding it as IB Bank Togo.

• Transport & Aviation: He owns Lisa Transport and Liz Aviation, a commercial airline using ATR aircraft.

• Machinery Sales: He runs a distribution company for heavy construction and industrial equipment.

• Real Estate & Logistics: EBOMAF also has investments in property development and logistics infrastructure.

Humanitarian Efforts

Mahamadou Bonkoungou is not only a businessman but also a philanthropist. In 2025, he donated goods worth $2.8 million to support internally displaced persons in Burkina Faso. His donations included:

• Bags of rice

• Portable toilets

• Borehole installations

• Emergency tents and sanitation kits

This act strengthened his reputation as a businessman who gives back to the community.

Awards and Recognition

Bonkoungou has received multiple awards for his contribution to infrastructure and economic development. He was also honored as one of the most influential personalities in Burkina Faso, being listed by platforms such as Rue des Étoilesand regional business magazines.

Estimated Net Worth (2025)

Though not officially declared, Mahamadou Bonkoungou is often referred to as the richest man in Burkina Faso. His estimated net worth is believed to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars, based on:

• Multi-billion CFA contracts awarded to EBOMAF

• His ownership of IB Bank

• Diverse investments in aviation, construction, and logistics

In 2019 alone, EBOMAF had project contracts worth over ₦1,000 billion CFA francs, showing the massive scale of his operations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does EBOMAF stand for?
A: EBOMAF stands for Entreprise Bonkoungou Mahamadou et Fils, founded by Mahamadou Bonkoungou in 1989.

Q2: Which countries does EBOMAF operate in?
A: EBOMAF operates in Burkina Faso, Togo, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, and other West African nations.

Q3: What other businesses does Bonkoungou own?
A: He owns IB Holding (banking), Liz Aviation (airline), Lisa Transport, and machinery distribution businesses.

Q4: What is his estimated net worth in 2025?
A: While not publicly confirmed, his net worth is estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of USD, making him Burkina Faso’s wealthiest businessman.

Q5: Is Mahamadou Bonkoungou involved in charity work?
A: Yes. He donated over $2.8 million worth of goods to help displaced families in Burkina Faso in 2025.

Conclusion

Mahamadou Bonkoungou’s journey is a story of vision, determination, and success. From trading small items in Dédougou to owning one of West Africa’s largest construction companies, he has left a lasting impact on infrastructure, finance, and humanitarian service.

As of 2025, he continues to grow his empire while contributing to society, making him a standout figure in African business and leadership.