Burkina Faso Targets Zero Telecom White Zones by 2027 as 61 Nakambe Towns Get Connected

Burkina Faso has taken another step toward achieving its ambition of eliminating telecommunications “white zones” by 2027, as the Nakambe region hosted a regional exchange workshop focused on expanding network coverage to underserved communities. The meeting, held on December 17, 2025, forms part of the national rollout of the “Zero White Zone on the Horizon 2027” initiative led by the Ministry of Digital Transition, Posts and Electronic Communications (MTDPCE), through the General Directorate of Electronic Communications (DGCE).

The workshop was chaired by the High Commissioner of Koulpélogo Province, Saidou Ouedraogo, representing the Governor, and brought together administrative and local authorities from the provinces of Boulgou, Kouritenga, and Koulpélogo. Participants included high commissioners, prefects, presidents of special delegations, representatives of decentralized state services, as well as customary and religious leaders, underscoring the inclusive approach adopted for the project.

Over the course of nearly five hours, officials and stakeholders were briefed on the implementation of the national project to connect 750 rural localities to telecommunications networks. Presentations were delivered by the Director General of Electronic Communications, Nongobzanga Zongo, alongside senior officials from the ministry, ARCEP, and representatives of telecommunications operators. Discussions covered key issues such as locality selection criteria, types of infrastructure to be deployed, security of installations, land availability, and the respective responsibilities of the state, operators, and local authorities.

The High Commissioner of Koulpélogo welcomed the initiative, noting that it will enable 61 rural towns in the Nakambe region to gain reliable access to electronic communication services. He emphasized that the project will play a critical role in reducing the digital divide, supporting rural development, and strengthening the socio-economic resilience of local communities.

The workshop also provided a platform for local stakeholders to raise concerns and seek clarification on their roles and the involvement of beneficiary communities. These exchanges resulted in a set of recommendations and a collective commitment by all participants to support the successful implementation and long-term sustainability of the project. The initiative aligns with the Burkinabè government’s broader goal of ensuring equitable access to digital services nationwide and achieving zero telecommunications white zones by 2027.