Burkina Faso to Train Hundreds of IT Engineers to Accelerate Digital Administration
The initiative aims to address the shortage of specialized digital skills within government institutions and accelerate the country’s digital transformation agenda.
The Government of Burkina Faso is stepping up its efforts to modernize public administration through an ambitious plan focused on the mass training and recruitment of computer engineers. The initiative aims to address the shortage of specialized digital skills within government institutions and accelerate the country’s digital transformation agenda.
Meeting on Friday, October 3, 2025, in Ouagadougou, the country’s Information Systems Directors (DSI) reviewed progress made under the digitalization roadmap adopted last February. The roadmap seeks to streamline administrative processes, expand digital platforms, and simplify citizens’ access to public services.
During the session, participants highlighted key challenges, including the shortage of qualified IT personnel and insufficient work equipment across departments. In response, the Minister of Digital Transition, Postal and Electronic Communications, Dr. Aminata Zerbo/Sabane, reaffirmed the government’s determination to overcome these obstacles, citing the strong commitment of President Captain Ibrahim Traoré to advance digital governance.
To bridge the skills gap, the government will recruit around 200 IT engineers each year, assigning them across ministries and public agencies. These engineers will undergo specialized pre-deployment training to ensure they are immediately operational and will be equipped with the necessary computer hardware to perform effectively.
Despite these efforts, the demand for digital expertise continues to exceed supply, prompting the government to consider a comprehensive short- and medium-term training plan. Supported by the Project for Accelerating Digital Transformation (PACTDIGITAL), the initiative will include university specialization programs in high-demand fields such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
Dr. Zerbo/Sabane also announced preparations for a large-scale government training project focused on producing engineers dedicated to public administration, coupled with investments in digital infrastructure and equipment.
Expressing confidence in the government’s strategy, the Minister stated that the combined mobilization of DSIs and ongoing reform efforts would pave the way for a more modern, efficient, and citizen-centered administration in Burkina Faso.
