• Burkina Faso launches Educational Radio and Television (RTE) to expand learning access
• Platform combines radio, TV, and digital content on education, health, and culture
• Initiative targets rural inclusion amid school closures and literacy challenges

Burkina Faso has inaugurated the Educational Radio and Television (RTE) network, a new platform for learning and culture. The launch took place in Ouagadougou on Nov. 4, 2025, in the presence of Digital Transition Minister Aminata Zerbo-Sabané. The ceremony, presided over by Minister of State for Territorial Administration Émile Zerbo on behalf of the Prime Minister, represents a milestone in efforts to modernize the country’s education system.

The new public broadcaster brings together radio, television, and digital platforms to deliver educational and cultural content accessible to all citizens. Its radio arm is already on air at 107.4 FM, while the television channel will soon join the national DTT network before expanding nationwide through online streaming.

Toward Inclusive Education

Featuring about 30 programs on citizenship, education, health, environment, sports, culture, and digital innovation, the RTE seeks to reshape how learning and information are shared across Burkina Faso, according to the ministry. To support the rollout, the MTDPCE donated 15 computers to help strengthen the Ministry of Basic Education, which oversees the network’s operations.

Officials said the project supports the government’s goal of making education more inclusive, especially for students in rural or remote areas. They added that it reflects Burkina Faso’s commitment to using digital tools to expand access to education.

The launch comes at a critical time. In 2024, UNESCO reported that more than 5,300 schools, over 20% of the country’s total, had closed, leaving 820,000 students out of school. The World Bank also warned of a learning crisis, estimating that 74% of 10-year-olds in Burkina Faso, similar to trends across Africa, cannot read and understand a text appropriate for their age.

Félicien Houindo Lokossou