Like many African countries, the Burkinabe government views digital technology as a key driver of socio-economic development. It is focusing on connecting public administrations to improve services for citizens.

The Burkinabe government has invested over 18 billion CFA francs ($30 million) in developing digital infrastructure, Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo told the Transitional Legislative Assembly on Friday, March 14, citing significant progress in the telecommunications sector.

Ouédraogo said the state allocated more than 3 billion CFA francs to assist operators in restoring networks in areas previously destabilized by insecurity. This funding enabled the expansion of electronic communication networks to 44 new localities in underserved regions, improving internet and telecommunications service access.

On the administrative front, 104 new buildings were connected to the National Public Administration Information Network (RESINA), bringing the total number of interconnected public buildings to 2,947. To bolster digital sovereignty and strengthen national capacity, the government initiated the construction of two mini data centers, representing an investment exceeding 15 billion CFA francs.

Between 2023 and 2024, 169 administrative procedure platforms were digitized, with 77 currently operational and 92 in the deployment phase. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to position Burkina Faso as a key player in information and communication technology (ICT) integration in West Africa.

Despite these advances, Burkina Faso faces substantial challenges. According to the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) “Measuring Digital Development – ICT Development Index 2024,” published in June 2024, Burkina Faso ranks 43rd out of 47 African countries in ICT development, with a score of 30.1 out of 100.

Upon completion, these investments will significantly enhance Burkina Faso’s access to digital services and strengthen its technological autonomy. This, officials say, will establish a foundation for a more efficient and inclusive digital ecosystem, aligning with the nation’s modernization and socio-economic development goals.

By Samira Njoya,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji