Digital transformation is essential for the socio-economic development of the country. The government is ramping up its efforts to successfully complete ongoing projects aimed at enhancing citizens' well-being through access to efficient and inclusive digital services.

The Burkina Faso Ministry of Digital Transition, Posts, and Electronic Communications has achieved a performance rate of 55% for the first half of 2024, according to an evaluation of its objective contract recently conducted by Prime Minister Apollinaire Joachimson Kyelem de Tambèla. This result reflects the ministry’s commitment to meeting the targets outlined in its roadmap.

According to the ministry's statement, key achievements contributing to this success include "strengthening the legal framework for the digital sector, digitizing certain administrative services, acquiring equipment to enhance and secure the digital network, and restoring electronic communication services in high-security challenge areas."

Despite this "satisfactory" performance, some projects have experienced significant delays. Efforts to rehabilitate existing infrastructure and extend digital services to rural areas have been hindered by security challenges, exacerbated by political instability, which has affected the ministry's ability to adhere to its initial timeline.

For the second half of the year, the ministry plans to intensify ongoing projects, including the digitization of at least 100 administrative procedures, the creation of citizen service centers to facilitate access to online services, and the implementation of the Digital Transformation Acceleration Project. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to position Burkina Faso as a leader in Africa for integrating information and communication technologies (ICT) into key sectors such as public administration, education, health, commerce, and agriculture.

Despite these advancements, Burkina Faso faces significant challenges. According to the "Measuring Digital Development – ICT Development Index 2024" report published in June by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Burkina Faso ranks 43rd out of 47 African countries in ICT development. This ranking highlights the considerable obstacles the country must overcome to fully harness digital technologies and improve the living conditions of its citizens.

Samira Njoya