We expect Burkina Faso's GDP per capita growth will average 3% in 2013-2016, supported by agriculture, mining, and infrastructure investment, and government debt will remain moderate. Burkina Faso's low economic development, weak institutional framework, and vulnerable external position continue to constrain the ratings. Supporting rating factors are a track record of donor assistance, multilateral support, and a moderate fiscal debt burden. We are affirming our 'B/B' long- and short-term sovereign credit ratings on Burkina Faso. The stable outlook balances Burkina Faso's political risks and external vulnerabilities against strong donor support and assumes that internal social challenges will not destabilize political institutions. LONDON (Standard&Poor's) Feb. 28, 2013--Standard&Poor's Ratings Services today said it affirmed its 'B/B' long- and
