African countries are rapidly modernizing their digital systems, adopting a range of technologies to improve efficiency and transparency. As they embrace this digital transformation, they also need to prioritize cybersecurity to protect sensitive data and prevent potential threats.

Burkina Faso plans to modernize and secure its online services with the adoption of a national public key infrastructure (PKI). On Monday, September 30, the country’s National Agency for Information System Security (ANSSI) launched a project framework workshop in Loumbila, located in the Oubritenga province.

“PKI is a technology that secures electronic exchanges using digital certificates, comparable to electronic passports. These certificates verify users' identities and ensure that only authorized individuals can access or sign information,” explained Boukaré Sébastien Yougbare, ANSSI’s Director General.

This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing public services while strengthening the security of the country’s digital space. It comes at a time of accelerated digital transformation, marked not only by the rapid adoption of electronic communication services but also by a rise in cyberattacks.

The project, set to be implemented by December 2025, is being carried out in partnership with the American firm Cybastion Institute of Technology. This infrastructure will play a key role in digitizing administrative processes and offering citizens greater security when accessing online public services. Additionally, the PKI will allow businesses to secure their online transactions and provide reliable authentication of their partners. Banks will also benefit from this tool to enhance the security of electronic transactions while complying with regulatory requirements.

With the adoption of the PKI, Burkina Faso will follow the example of several other African nations, such as Ghana, Cameroon, and Ethiopia, which have already implemented similar infrastructures to bolster digital security. According to a report by consulting firm Future Market Insights, the global PKI market generated $3.9 billion in revenue in 2021. The market is expected to continue growing at an annual rate of 18.3% between 2022 and 2032, underscoring the increasing importance of these technologies in an increasingly digital world.

Samira Njoya