Burkina Faso has expanded telecommunications and digital public services across the country, achieving ninety-one percent of its digital development objectives for 2025, the government said this week, as authorities seek to narrow the digital divide and modernise public administration.
The progress report was presented on February three during a review session chaired by Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, following an assessment of the Ministry of Digital Transition, Posts and Electronic Communications’ annual performance.
Officials described 2025 as a pivotal year for Burkina Faso’s digital transformation. The government connected three hundred and seventy localities to telecommunications networks, providing first-time access to mobile phone and internet services for thousands of residents, particularly in rural and previously underserved areas. The expansion is intended to improve access to information, public services and economic opportunities, while supporting social inclusion.
Alongside infrastructure deployment, authorities accelerated the digitisation of public administration. The ministry reported that two hundred and seventy-two online public service platforms were developed or deployed during the year, with one hundred and forty-six already fully operational. These platforms are designed to simplify administrative procedures for citizens and businesses, reduce processing times and improve transparency in government service delivery.
As part of its inclusion strategy, the government signed a partnership agreement with La Poste to establish twenty “Zama Tchéy” citizen service centres. The centres are aimed at vulnerable and digitally excluded populations, providing assisted access to online public services, administrative support and digital literacy tools.
Government officials said the combined approach of expanding infrastructure, digitising services and supporting inclusion has helped Burkina Faso reach ninety-one percent of its 2025 digital targets, despite ongoing security, fiscal and infrastructure constraints.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Digital Transition outlined an ambitious agenda for 2026. A key priority is the rollout of a unique electronic identification system, with authorities aiming to enrol seven million citizens by the end of the year. The digital ID programme is expected to support access to public services, strengthen governance and improve planning across sectors such as health, education and social protection.
Telecommunications expansion will also continue. Officials plan to extend network coverage to a further seven hundred and fifty localities in 2026, deepening national connectivity and supporting the government’s broader development strategy. Additional projects include the creation of a dedicated government network and the development of national messaging and collaboration platforms to improve communication within public institutions.
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Cybersecurity has emerged as another focus area. In January 2026, the ministry inaugurated a digital infrastructure supervision centre tasked with monitoring critical systems, strengthening cyber resilience and coordinating responses to digital threats. Authorities say the centre will play a central role in protecting government data and ensuring the reliability of digital services as online platforms expand.
To support the 2026 programme, the government has allocated sixty-one billion CFA francs, equivalent to about one hundred and nine point seven million dollars, for digital transition initiatives. Officials say the investment reflects the strategic importance of digital transformation for economic development, state efficiency and national cohesion.
Despite the progress, challenges remain. Internet penetration in Burkina Faso remains relatively low, standing at twenty-two point four percent at the end of 2025, with about five point four two million users, according to DataReportal. Mobile connections totalled twenty-nine point three million, equivalent to one hundred and twenty-one percent of the population, reflecting widespread SIM ownership but highlighting the gap between mobile access and effective internet usage.
Authorities acknowledge that affordability, digital skills gaps and uneven infrastructure quality continue to limit broader adoption of digital services. The government says future efforts will focus on improving service quality, expanding digital literacy and ensuring that new platforms translate into tangible benefits for citizens and businesses.
Burkina Faso’s digital push is part of a wider effort across West Africa to harness technology for development, improve public sector efficiency and support economic resilience. With most of its 2025 objectives achieved, the government says it is now focused on consolidating gains and accelerating progress in the year ahead.
