(Ecofin Agency) - Huawei is negotiating with Burkinabe authorities to deploy optic fiber across the country. This was revealed by a source within Burkina’s Ministry of Finance and Economy cited by info-afrique.com. A team of the Chinese group, led by its managing director visited the country to discuss modalities for the development of the National Backbone project.

Estimated to cost over FCFA100 billion, the project aims to provide Burkina with a broadband infrastructure which will improve its connectivity. It will allow for the implementation of e-government and its associated value added services such as, e-health, e-education, e-tax, telemedicine, etc, that are necessary for populations’ social development and for them to take part in national governance. The 5,400km-long National Backbone project will connect the country’s 45 provinces’ capitals as well as its major urban areas.

The optic fiber Backbone is part of a broader national ICT development strategy, implemented by the government to make digital a key component in Burkina’s social and economic development. Asides improving communication, Burkina Faso aims to, through ICT, facilitate access to administrative services, health, education, and create jobs.