• Burkina Faso engages Italian investors to advance digital transformation plans
• Talks focus on drones, data systems, and public-private partnerships
• Government prioritizes sovereignty, skills transfer, and solar-powered telecom expansion

Burkina Faso's Ministry of Digital Transition hosted a delegation of Italian investors on Wednesday, in a move that supports the country’s plan to digitize its public administration and eliminate telecom coverage gaps nationwide.

The meeting was led by the ministry’s Secretary-General, Borlli Michel Some, while the delegation was headed by Burkina Faso’s ambassador to Italy, Cyrille Ganou/Badolo.

Discussions focused on technology solutions adapted to local conditions. Investors presented projects involving drones to improve healthcare access and vaccination campaigns in rural areas, as well as systems for managing medical data. The delegation, drawn from the technology, agriculture and energy sectors, also showed interest in public-private partnerships.

Sovereignty and Skills Transfer

Burkinabe authorities stressed that any collaboration must align with the country’s goal of technological sovereignty. They are prioritizing partnerships that include training, co-development and local ownership of technology to strengthen domestic capacity. The aim is to rely on local expertise to manage infrastructure and strategic data.

The link between digital expansion and energy supply was also central to the talks. To eliminate all coverage gaps by 2030, Burkina Faso is looking to solar-based solutions to power telecommunications infrastructure in rural areas. Authorities called on Italian investors to propose sustainable technologies to support this expansion, which they said is essential to modernizing public services.

The meeting comes as Burkina Faso steps up its digital agenda, with priorities including digital identity and the integration of emerging technologies to improve the efficiency of public services.

Samira Njoya