Burkina Faso is set to launch its first National Action Plan on Artificial Intelligence (2026-2028), a document that aims to leverage the potential of AI to modernize administration, the economy, and public services. The plan also seeks to ensure its use is inclusive, ethical, and responsible. Implementation was a central topic during a national situational analysis workshop held on Wednesday, August 27, in Ouagadougou.

Developed under the coordination of the Ministry of Digital Transition, the future plan is built on six pillars. It calls for sustained investment in digital infrastructure and connectivity to provide a solid foundation for AI deployment. It also aims for better data governance and the development of local skills to meet the demands of new jobs created by the technology. The document further intends to establish a trustworthy institutional, legal, and ethical framework while promoting the emergence of practical solutions in strategic sectors such as health, agriculture, education, and governance. Finally, the plan includes a global dimension, with the ambition of intensifying partnerships and mobilizing sustainable funding to ensure the project's success.

This initiative comes as AI adoption remains limited in Africa. According to the AI Readiness Index 2024 published by Oxford Insights, several African countries, including Egypt, Mauritius, South Africa, Rwanda, Morocco, and Senegal, are among the best prepared globally to harness the potential of AI. With a score of 29.8 out of 100, Burkina Faso falls below the Sub-Saharan African average of 32.7, underscoring the urgent need to strengthen skills, data governance, innovation, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Samira Njoya