SEMAFO and Burkina Faso Partner to Develop Solar Power Station

SEMAFO (TSX: SMF) announced today the signature of a partnership with the government of Burkina Faso to undertake a pre-feasibility study to construct a 20 MW solar power station to generate electricity.

The first phase of this endeavor will be carried out as part of SEMAFO's ongoing corporate responsibility program in close collaboration with the government of Burkina Faso. This important partnership is aimed at stimulating and sustaining the country's socio-economic development, by increasing the national electrical production capacity, thereby availing the population to a more adequate, low cost electricity supply.

"On behalf of the president and government of the country, Burkina Faso's Minister for the Mines and Energy, Mr. Abdoulaye Abdoulkader CISSE, and Mr. Lucien Marie Noël BEMBAMBA, Minister of Economic and Financial Affairs expressed great confidence in our company," said Elie Justin OUEDRAOGO, SEMAFO's National director, Burkina Faso. "The Company has always striven to be a good corporate citizen and remains committed to making a significant contribution and improving the quality of life in the communities in which we operate," added Mr. OUEDRAOGO.

Under this agreement, the government of Burkina Faso in collaboration with SEMAFO will undertake the necessary studies to move forward toward the realization of this important project.

About SEMAFO

SEMAFO is a Canadian-based mining company with gold production and exploration activities in West Africa. The Company currently operates three gold mines in Burkina Faso, Niger and Guinea. SEMAFO is committed to evolve in a conscientious manner to become a major player in its geographical area of interest, while maintaining principles and strengthening relationships to increase shareholder value.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release may contain forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's expectations as to the market price of gold, strategic plans, future commercial production, production targets, timetables, mining operating expenses, capital expenditures, and mineral reserve and resource estimates. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and accordingly, actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause future results or events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, fluctuations in the market price of precious metals, mining industry risks, uncertainty as to calculation of mineral reserves and resources, risks related to hedging strategies, risks of delays in construction, requirements of additional financing and other risks described in the Company's documents filed from time to time with Canadian securities regulatory authorities. Although the Company is of the opinion that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, those assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Readers can find further information with respect to risks in the Company's Annual Information Form and other filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities available at www.sedar.com. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE: SEMAFO INC.

SEMAFO: Benoit La Salle, President & CEO, (514) 744-4408, Toll-Free: 1-888-744-4408, Fax: (514) 744-2291, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Sofia St Laurent, Communications, (514) 744-4408, Toll-Free: 1-888-744-4408, Fax: (514) 744-2291, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.