Crossing the Sahara: 250 Zhongtong Buses Boost Public Transport Modernization in Burkina Faso

22 August 2025

On August 21, a ceremony was held in Liaocheng, Shandong, to mark the departure of 250 Zhongtong buses destined for Burkina Faso, a West African nation. Symbolizing the friendship between China and Africa, these buses will traverse the Sahara Desert before being deployed in the public transport system of Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso.

All the exported vehicles are from Zhongtong’s N-series urban bus line, representing the first large-scale introduction of modern urban buses in Burkina Faso.

Since entering the African market in 2003, Zhongtong Buses has played an active role in the continent’s transportation upgrading over the past two decades. From earlier classic models such as the Lingyu and Century to the currently popular N-series urban buses and H-series tour coaches, more and more Zhongtong buses are operating in countries including Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, Tanzania, and Côte d'Ivoire. They continue to provide better, greener, and more comfortable public transportation solutions for African communities.

Guided by the Belt and Road Initiative, China-Africa cooperation in various fields is entering a new stage of high-quality development. Zhongtong Buses actively responds to the “Going Global” strategy and continues to expand the scope and depth of its international partnerships.

West Africa, with a population of approximately 223 million, is one of the most densely populated and economically dynamic regions in Africa, playing a pivotal role in the continent’s overall development. In recent years, West Africa has taken the lead in regional connectivity, economic integration, and infrastructure construction, vigorously advancing transportation modernization, enhancing urban service capabilities, and improving living standards.

Zhongtong’s return to West Africa with this project demonstrates its deep involvement in the region’s public transport upgrading. The buses will help improve local livelihoods and strengthen regional connectivity, serving as a new example of China-Africa cooperation.

The successful acquisition of this 250-bus order is attributed to Zhongtong’s strong core technological expertise and tailored development capabilities.

All buses in this batch are built on Zhongtong’s proven N-series platform, which offers reliable performance and has undergone years of market validation. The buses feature a full-load high-strength body structure, a low-entry step design, and a kneeling system, greatly facilitating access for children, the elderly, and passengers with reduced mobility. Through air purification, antibacterial treatment, and the use of eco-friendly materials, the cabins provide a fresh and healthy environment, ensuring a safe and comfortable travel experience.

To fully support the public transport development in Burkina Faso, Zhongtong’s technical team conducted in-depth customization of the buses. Based on local road conditions, the team optimized system matching and control strategies to enhance the vehicles’ mobility, power, and fuel efficiency. In line with local operating and riding habits, features such as foldable seats, wheelchair access, and intelligent safety systems were incorporated to comprehensively improve comfort and safety.

This order marks another milestone in the export of Chinese buses to Africa and exemplifies the deepening cooperation between China and Africa in the transportation sector. Moving forward, Zhongtong Buses will continue to advance technological innovation and deliver more customized transportation solutions for global partners, supporting the intelligent upgrading of public transport worldwide.

Source : www.chinabuses.org

Editor : David

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