Digital transformation is at the core of the Burkinabe government's development programs. Ouagadougou is seeking the World Bank's assistance to meet the objectives of its digital strategy in the coming years.

Burkina Faso is seeking parliamentary approval for a $150 million loan from the International Development Association (IDA) to fund the Digital Transformation Acceleration Project (PACTDIGITAL). The cabinet, meeting on Thursday, April 11 in Ouagadougou, authorized this bill's submission to the Transitional Legislative Assembly for ratification.

PACTDIGITAL aims to enhance access to infrastructure, public services, and digital skills in Burkina Faso. It follows the recently concluded West African Regional Communications Infrastructure Project (PRICAO-BF) and the e-Burkina project. It will build on their achievements to develop a foundation for further digital initiatives.

The funding provided by the IDA, a World Bank institution, will be used to expand broadband access in underserved and poorly served areas, improve the availability and accessibility of digital public services, and enhance the digital skills of project beneficiaries (new digital public services in targeted sectors such as education, health, employment, etc.).

The primary beneficiaries include women, youth, people with disabilities, displaced persons, host communities, public employees (civil servants, teachers, and trainers), private businesses, formal and informal training institutes, local incubators, and associations.

The decisions made during the cabinet meeting underscore the transitional government's commitment to steering Burkina Faso toward sustainable and inclusive development.

Samira Njoya