Burkina Faso Trains Lawmakers on Artificial Intelligence to Support Digital Governance

Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Digital Transition, Posts and Electronic Communications  has launched a capacity-building initiative to equip members of the Legislative Assembly of the People (ALP) with a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence (AI), as the country seeks to strengthen governance and policymaking around emerging technologies.

The training session, organized by the Permanent Secretariat for Innovation and Forecasting on Emerging Digital Technologies (SPIVTEN), brought together around 30 lawmakers to explore the fundamentals of AI, its applications and the policy challenges associated with its growing adoption across economies and public institutions.

Speaking during the session, SPIVTEN Permanent Secretary Dr. Yaya Traoré said it is essential for parliamentarians to understand artificial intelligence so they can contribute to the development of an enabling legal and regulatory framework for the technology in Burkina Faso. He noted that AI is evolving rapidly and is reshaping societies worldwide, making it important for lawmakers to remain informed about its opportunities and risks.

Traoré also emphasized the importance of digital sovereignty, urging Burkina Faso to develop AI systems tailored to the country’s needs while ensuring greater control over national data and the protection of cyberspace. He warned that data entered into AI systems not controlled by the state could be processed and exploited elsewhere, underscoring the need for sovereign AI capabilities.

According to the SPIVTEN chief, the successful development of artificial intelligence in Burkina Faso will depend on investments in digital infrastructure, high-quality data, skilled human resources and specialized education. He called on lawmakers to support public policies that strengthen sovereign digital infrastructure, encourage the creation of university programmes focused on AI and expand the training of engineers and technology specialists.

Deputy Daaga Nassouri welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely opportunity to improve parliamentarians’ understanding of a technology that is increasingly influencing every sector of society. He said the training would help legislators better understand AI’s applications, benefits and associated responsibilities, enabling them to develop legislation that promotes innovation while ensuring responsible use.

The ministry said the programme is intended to prepare lawmakers to review future AI-related legislation and support the development of a regulatory framework that promotes responsible artificial intelligence governance, digital sovereignty and innovation-driven economic development in Burkina Faso.