Burkina Faso Launches First Virtual Digital Fair to Promote Local Innovation

Burkina Faso has officially inaugurated its first-ever virtual digital fair, Faso Digital, a groundbreaking event dedicated to showcasing the nation’s digital innovation and technological talent. The fair, launched on October 18, 2025, in Ouagadougou, takes place entirely online through an immersive and interactive platform developed by LeFaso.net, the pioneer of online media in the country.

Under the theme “Innovating to Rebuild: Digital Technology at the Service of a Resilient Burkina Faso,” Faso Digital 2025 aims to strengthen the country’s digital ecosystem and highlight the creativity of Burkinabè innovators. Speaking at the opening, Dr. Cyriaque Paré, founder of LeFaso.net and initiator of the event, underscored that digital transformation is no longer optional but a national necessity. He described the fair as a platform designed to promote homegrown digital solutions, encourage collaboration, and foster a culture of innovation among entrepreneurs, researchers, institutions, and the diaspora.

Dr. Paré emphasized that digital technology must be recognized as a driver of national resilience and economic growth. However, he lamented the limited investment in the sector, humorously noting that while the digital economy is one of the world’s most profitable industries, many Burkinabè investors still fail to grasp its potential. “The richest people today are not in oil or diamonds,” he remarked, “but in digital technology.” He urged financial institutions and private investors to take the digital economy seriously and support local initiatives.

Representing the President of the Transitional Legislative Assembly, Dr. Ousmane Bougouma, the Third Vice President read a message stressing the urgency of nurturing youth innovation and creativity to address the country’s security, economic, and social challenges. He called on young developers, start-ups, and researchers to “dare to innovate” and urged banks and financial partners to invest in impactful technological solutions that can drive social and economic progress.

The Minister of Digital Transition, Dr. Aminata Zerbo/Sabané, who presided over the ceremony, praised the fair as a concrete contribution to Burkina Faso’s ongoing digital transformation. She affirmed that Faso Digital aligns with the government’s long-term vision of integrating technology into national development strategies. She also noted that the event complements other major initiatives planned for the final quarter of the year, including the Start-Up Day, the AI Competition, and the University Hackathon, which collectively aim to promote artificial intelligence and digital literacy.

In a recorded message, the Minister of Communication, Pindgwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo, encouraged Burkinabè citizens to become creators rather than mere consumers of technology. He expressed hope that Faso Digital 2025 would inspire a new generation of innovators capable of building digital solutions by Africans, for Africa.

Representing the Executive Director of the National Office for Major Projects, Bruno Compaoré, the Chief of Staff highlighted the importance of digital tools in advancing development projects and government reforms. He noted that digital solutions are essential in reducing inequality, improving governance, and ensuring sustainable growth.

Running until October 25, Faso Digital 2025 features a rich program that includes masterclasses, expert panels, and interactive sessions covering topics such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, connectivity, digital entrepreneurship, communication, branding, crowdfunding, and e-health. Participants from across the globe are engaging through virtual booths, B2B workshops, and a national digital innovation competition.

By combining accessibility, innovation, and collaboration, Faso Digital is already establishing itself as a major milestone in Burkina Faso’s technological landscape — a catalyst for change that positions the country as a rising hub for digital transformation and African-led innovation.