Burkina Faso is accelerating several structural initiatives to secure its digital future, establishing digital transformation as an engine for economic development and national sovereignty.
A primary focus is the Fast-Tracking Digital Transformation (PACTDIGITAL-BF), a strategy intended to realise 12 major digital construction sites by 2030, says the Ministry of Digital Transition, Postal and Electronic Communications.
Having entered into force in September 2024 for a five-year term, the project serves as essential leverage to support technological independence.
The ultimate goal is to improve the availability, accessibility, and adoption of digital services across the country, says Dr Aminata Zerbo-Sabané, minister of digital transition, posts and electronic communications.
PACTDIGITAL-BF is funded by a loan from the International Development Association, a World Bank Group institution, alongside a counterpart contribution from the West African state totalling approximately $170 million (96.7 billion CFA).
The project aims to digitise public administration by interconnecting buildings to the National Computer Network of the Administration.
This secure private intranet facilitates the sharing of electronic services and high-speed data across government sectors. This effort is supported by the construction of a national data centre to bolster data sovereignty.
In January 2026, the government commissioned two mini data centres in Ouagadougou as an intermediate step toward this goal. The facilities support the "zero data abroad" initiative, which ensures sensitive national information is hosted locally.
The progressive digitisation of administrative procedures is expected to improve public service delivery, reduce processing times, and enhance transparency, notes the ministry.
Beyond infrastructure, the project emphasizes developing digital skills and promoting innovation. This involves training specialists to support the 12 transformation sites and boosting the national digital ecosystem.
PACTDIGITAL-BF is structured around five major components: expanding connectivity for digital inclusion, accelerating the digital transformation of public services, skills development, digital innovation, and emergency response.
Eventually, this project will contribute to making digital technology an engine of economic development and sovereignty for the country, says the ministry.
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