(Ecofin Agency) - Digital sector stakeholders in Burkina Faso convened to discuss the challenges and opportunities of migrating from IPv4 to IPv6. The forum, organized by the Burkina Faso Internet Domains Association (ABDI) and held in Ouagadougou on April 12, was attended by Aminata Zerbo, Minister of Digital Transition, Posts, and Electronic Communications.

"The development of the Internet has profoundly changed our way of life. Today, the Internet is an essential tool for our daily activities. One of the critical elements for Internet communications is its protocol, known as 'Internet Protocol.' Currently, version 4 is in use, and this protocol allows us to identify and address objects and enable communications on the internet," explained Minister Zerbo.

The push for IPv6 comes as its predecessor, IPv4, reached its capacity limit in 2011, offering only 4.3 billion unique IP addresses compared to IPv6's 340 trillion trillion addresses. This new system addresses the growing demand for IP addresses from both traditional internet subscribers and connected devices. According to Ms. Zerbo, there are currently about 20 billion connected devices on the internet.

"This migration will enhance our internet. It will allow smoother internet connections with a security layer that also enables the traceability of internet connections. This is crucial for identifying cybercriminals in the event of cybercrimes," stated Isaïe Toé, Executive Secretary of the ABDI.

The shift to IPv6 in Burkina Faso is expected to expand the internet market and pave the way for broader adoption of technology. Data from DataReportal shows that, as of early 2024, Burkina Faso had 4.7 million internet users, with a penetration rate of 19.9%.