Burkina Faso Targets 1,000 White Zones in 2026 Connectivity Drive

The Burkina Faso Digital Transformation Acceleration Project (PactDigital) is set to support the expansion of mobile and internet connectivity to 1,000 underserved communities in 2026, as part of the government’s efforts to eliminate digital “white zones” and improve access to digital services across the country.

According to the project, nearly 2,000 localities, representing about 10 to 12 per cent of Burkina Faso’s territory, still lack mobile phone and internet coverage. PactDigital is supporting the government’s digital transformation agenda by contributing to the implementation of the “Zero White Zones” initiative and the expansion of inclusive access to public services.

The planned rollout will cover almost half of the country’s remaining unserved communities and is expected to directly benefit between 1.5 million and 2 million people, most of whom live in rural areas. The initiative aims to improve access to information, digital public services and economic opportunities by extending telecommunications infrastructure to previously disconnected regions.

To ensure effective deployment, PactDigital has conducted mapping studies to identify uncovered areas and prioritise infrastructure investments. The data-driven approach is intended to optimise resource allocation and maximise the impact of connectivity projects across the country.

The project is also being implemented in line with the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standards and Burkina Faso’s national environmental regulations. Environmental and Social Impact Assessments are being carried out for infrastructure projects, including the installation of telecommunications towers, to identify potential environmental and social impacts and establish appropriate mitigation measures. The project also places emphasis on land management, stakeholder engagement and consultations with local communities to promote social acceptance and minimise the risk of conflicts.

In parallel, the Ministry of Digital Transition, Posts and Electronic Communications, through the General Directorate of Electronic Communications, has launched public awareness campaigns across the country to educate communities on the benefits of digital technologies, address misconceptions about telecommunications infrastructure and facilitate access to land for tower construction.

Beyond expanding network coverage, PactDigital aims to drive digital inclusion by improving access to services in sectors such as healthcare, education, justice and the economy. The project seeks to reduce the digital divide and ensure that more citizens, particularly those in rural and underserved communities, can participate in Burkina Faso’s growing digital economy.