Burkina Faso Unveils PACTDIGITAL to Drive Digital Inclusion, Innovation, and Economic Growth
The Project for Accelerating Digital Transformation, known as PACTDIGITAL-BF, is designed to modernize infrastructure, improve digital access, and position Burkina Faso as a more technologically independent nation.
Ministry of Digital Transition, Postal and Electronic Communications has unveiled a major initiative aimed at strengthening the country’s digital sovereignty and accelerating its digital transformation. The Project for Accelerating Digital Transformation, known as PACTDIGITAL-BF, is designed to modernize infrastructure, improve digital access, and position Burkina Faso as a more technologically independent nation.
Launched on September 19, 2024, and set to run for five years, PACTDIGITAL-BF forms a key part of the country’s long-term digital strategy toward 2030. The project is financed through a loan from the International Development Association (IDA), alongside a significant contribution from the Burkinabe government, amounting to over 96 billion CFA francs. This funding underscores the government’s commitment to building a robust digital ecosystem.
A central focus of the initiative is bridging the digital divide across Burkina Faso. The project aims to expand connectivity infrastructure, improve access to high-speed internet, and extend digital services to rural and underserved communities. By enhancing both fixed and mobile broadband coverage, the government seeks to ensure more citizens can access and benefit from digital opportunities.
PACTDIGITAL-BF also prioritizes the modernization of public administration through digital transformation. This includes interconnecting government institutions via national systems, developing data infrastructure such as data centers, and digitizing administrative processes. These efforts are expected to improve efficiency, reduce processing times, and enhance transparency in public service delivery, supporting a more citizen-centered government.
In addition to infrastructure and governance improvements, the project places strong emphasis on developing digital skills and fostering innovation. It aims to train specialists and strengthen the local digital talent pool to support implementation and growth within the sector. This focus on capacity building is intended to sustain the broader transformation and stimulate innovation across the country.
Structured around key pillars including digital inclusion, public service digitization, skills development, innovation, and project management, PACTDIGITAL-BF is positioned as a cornerstone of Burkina Faso’s digital future. Ultimately, the initiative is expected to drive economic growth, support innovation, and reinforce the country’s digital sovereignty.
