Burkina Faso names Maxime Compaoré new LONAB board chairman
New three-year mandate begins as the national lottery operator builds on reforms, product expansion and rising public revenue contributions.
Burkina Faso- The Council of Ministers has named Maxime Compaoré as President of the Board of Directors (PCA) of the National Lottery of Burkina Faso (LONAB), marking a major leadership transition for one of the country’s most important public gaming institutions.
Compaoré formally assumed office on April 17 in Ouagadougou during a handover ceremony led by Vieux Soulama, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Appointed during the Council of Ministers meeting, Compaoré begins a three-year mandate as LONAB continues institutional reforms and expands its presence across Burkina Faso’s regulated gaming market. An administrator of financial services, he succeeds Léa Zagré, whose tenure was defined by strategic restructuring, digital transformation and stronger corporate oversight.
Setting the tone for his mandate, Compaoré made clear that preserving progress and improving performance would define his leadership. “I will work with all stakeholders to preserve existing gains and improve LONAB’s performance“, he said, according to LONAB communications.
He added that the Board would remain an attentive and constructive partner to executive management as the operator advances business performance and operational discipline.
Reforms and recognition
During Zagré’s leadership, LONAB revised its strategic plan, introduced new human resources management tools and implemented risk-mapping systems aimed at improving resilience and internal controls. The operator also launched new gaming products and accelerated the digitalisation of its activities, reflecting broader efforts to modernise the business and improve competitiveness.
Its contribution to national revenue also received formal recognition, with LONAB honoured at the 2025 DGI Excellence Awards for its contribution to 2024 tax revenues. The operator also received a 2025 Innovation Award for initiatives supporting population resilience and social impact.
Beyond operational reforms, the company strengthened its corporate social responsibility framework and reinforced its position as a key contributor to national development.
As she handed over the role, outgoing Chair Zagré said she remained confident in the institution’s future and the foundations already established. “I hand over the baton with the conviction that the foundations laid will allow LONAB to continue its progress.”
