• Burkina Faso plans to mobilize diaspora expertise to strengthen its national digital ecosystem.

• Digital Transition Minister Aminata Zerbo/Sabane discussed cooperation with Africa Now, a diaspora tech network based in San Francisco.

• Authorities aim to develop initiatives focused on skills transfer, mentorship and digital capacity building.

Burkina Faso is seeking to mobilize the expertise of its diaspora to accelerate the development of its digital ecosystem.

Authorities discussed this objective during a meeting between Digital Transition Minister Aminata Zerbo/Sabane and a delegation from the association Africa Now, led by its president Raïssa Somda.

Officials held the meeting in Ouagadougou on Monday, March 9. The discussions aimed to explore potential cooperation between the Burkinabe government and diaspora professionals working in major global technology hubs.

“The diaspora represents a wealth for our country. Its skills, networks and experience can help accelerate innovation and strengthen our digital ecosystem,” Aminata Zerbo/Sabane said.

Africa Now operates from San Francisco and focuses on connecting African technology professionals in the diaspora with innovation ecosystems across the continent.

The association works to build bridges between African talent based in Silicon Valley and digital initiatives led by governments and local start-ups.

Through these connections, the organization seeks to facilitate collaboration between global tech expertise and African digital development projects.

Participants discussed several possible areas of cooperation during the meeting.

These discussions explored initiatives that could support the development of Burkina Faso’s digital ecosystem. Although officials have not disclosed detailed project plans, the talks could lead to programs focused on skills transfer, mentorship for technology entrepreneurs and capacity building in digital professions.

Burkina Faso considers its diaspora a strategic lever for accelerating national digital transformation. Authorities have intensified outreach efforts to diaspora networks in recent months.

In November, Minister Aminata Zerbo/Sabane met a delegation of Afro-descendants led by Arikana Chihombori, the former African Union representative to the United States.

Through stronger links between the national digital ecosystem and major global technology hubs, the government hopes to stimulate innovation and support the emergence of new technology projects in Burkina Faso.

Adoni Conrad Quenum