The Federal Republic of Germany and Burkina Faso have maintained diplomatic relations since the latter gained independence in 1960. In 2019, the last elected President, Roch Marc Kaboré, travelled twice to Germany, while then-Federal Chancellor Merkel visited Burkina Faso in May 2019. Cooperation focuses on using civilian instruments to provide the most direct support possible for the people of Burkina Faso.

Development cooperation remains the most important pillar. Priorities are the promotion of agriculture and food security, water and sanitation supply, as well as decentralisation. Furthermore, Germany is actively engaged in helping to provide humanitarian assistance for those in need. The focus here is on food security, humanitarian protective measures, especially for women and children, as well as the provision of water and healthcare.

There is considerable interest in learning German as a foreign language in Burkina Faso. The German language is firmly established in secondary education, with more than 88,600 students being taught by over 920 German teachers. Three grammar schools in Burkina Faso are part of the Schools: Partners for the Future (PASCH) initiative. Promotion of the German language has been coordinated by the Goethe-Institut in Ouagadougou since 2022. As the only German cultural institute in the Sahel and the only European cultural institute in Burkina Faso, it plays a key role in bilateral cultural relations.

The West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use (WASCAL) is a beacon in the field of scientific cooperation. It is making a significant contribution to basic research on the impact of climate change on the Sahel region. Furthermore, exchange and cooperation formats exist between universities in Burkina Faso and Germany.