Burkina Faso reaffirms commitment to continental digital integration during Smart Africa Meeting

Burkina Faso’s Minister of Digital Transition, Posts and Electronic Communications, Dr. Aminata Zerbo/Sabane, hosted a strategic engagement with Smart Africa Director General Lacina Koné on May 2, 2025, reinforcing the nation’s leadership in Africa’s digital transformation agenda.

The high-level discussion recognized Burkina Faso’s foundational role in Smart Africa since its 2013 establishment by seven African heads of state. “As a pioneering member, Burkina Faso has been instrumental in shaping our continental digital skills development framework,” noted Koné, referencing the country’s key contributions to Smart Africa’s Digital Academy which has upskilled 10,000+ African policymakers since 2023.

The meeting explored three critical collaboration areas:

1. Pan-African internet governance: Developing unified policies for digital sovereignty
2. Local ecosystem revitalization: Strengthening Burkina’s startup and innovation infrastructure
3. Sustainable digital transformation: Aligning with Smart Africa’s 2030 smart cities initiative

This engagement underscores Burkina Faso’s strategic positioning within Smart Africa’s 40-member alliance working toward an integrated, competitive digital single market.

The discussions come as Burkina implements its 2025 Digital Economy Acceleration Plan, prioritizing rural connectivity and e-governance solutions.

With Smart Africa preparing to launch its second phase of continental digital infrastructure projects, Burkina Faso’s continued leadership demonstrates how mid-sized economies can drive Africa’s technological emancipation through consistent policy alignment and human capital investment.

Papa IBRAHIMA