• Burkina Faso achieves 91% of 2025 digital transition targets

• 370 localities connected, 146 online public services operational

• Government plans wider coverage, digital ID rollout in 2026

Burkina Faso has achieved 91% of its 2025 performance targets at the Ministry of Digital Transition, Posts and Electronic Communications, the government said.

The results were presented at a performance review meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 3, chaired by Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo.

In a statement, the ministry described 2025 as a pivotal year, citing both the scale of the projects undertaken and the results delivered. In the area of connectivity, 370 localities were newly connected to the telephone network, giving residents access to telephone and internet services for the first time and helping to narrow the digital divide.

Beyond connectivity expansion, the year was marked by several structural advances. The digitalisation of public administration accelerated with the development or deployment of 272 online public services. Of these, 146 are already operational, easing access to government services for citizens and businesses.

As part of its digital inclusion efforts, the government signed a performance agreement with La Poste to build 20 “Zama Tchéy”, or Citizen Houses. The facilities are intended to help vulnerable groups access and use digital services.

In 2026, the ministry plans to build on these gains. Priorities include rolling out a unique electronic identification enrolment system, with a target of registering seven million people by year-end. The continuation of the “zero white zone” programme aims to extend network coverage to 750 additional localities. The construction of a dedicated government communications network and the development of national messaging and digital collaboration tools are also planned.

A digital infrastructure monitoring centre was launched in January 2026 to strengthen the country’s capacity to secure and manage critical digital systems. To implement these projects, the ministry mobilised a budget of 61 billion CFA francs, or about $109.7 million.

Despite the progress, Burkina Faso continues to face structural challenges, particularly in expanding internet penetration and ensuring equitable access to quality digital services nationwide. DataReportal estimates that the country had 5.42 million internet users at the end of 2025, representing a penetration rate of 22.4%. Over the same period, 29.3 million mobile connections were active, equivalent to 121% of the population, highlighting strong potential for further digital adoption.

Samira Njoya