Burkina Faso is seeking to mobilize the expertise of its diaspora to accelerate the development of its digital economy, as authorities explore partnerships with technology professionals working in global innovation hubs.
Digital Transition Minister Aminata Zerbo/Sabane discussed potential collaboration with the diaspora technology network Africa Now during a meeting in Ouagadougou earlier this week.
The delegation was led by the organization’s president, Raïssa Somda, and focused on ways to connect Burkina Faso’s digital initiatives with expertise from African professionals working abroad, particularly in major technology centers such as Silicon Valley.
Officials said the discussions centered on how diaspora professionals could contribute to the country’s growing digital ecosystem through skills transfer, mentorship programs and technical support for emerging technology companies.
“The diaspora represents a wealth for our country. Its skills, networks and experience can help accelerate innovation and strengthen our digital ecosystem,” Zerbo/Sabane said during the meeting.
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Africa Now operates from San Francisco and aims to connect African technology professionals living abroad with innovation projects and digital development initiatives across the continent.
The organization works to build bridges between African talent based in global technology hubs and entrepreneurs or institutions developing digital solutions in African countries.
Through these connections, Africa Now seeks to promote collaboration that can help strengthen digital infrastructure, foster start-up ecosystems and encourage the adoption of new technologies.
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Participants in the meeting discussed several possible areas of cooperation, including mentorship programs for technology entrepreneurs, training initiatives for digital professionals and broader capacity-building programs within the country’s technology sector.
Although officials did not announce specific projects following the discussions, the talks could pave the way for new initiatives aimed at strengthening Burkina Faso’s digital workforce and supporting the development of local technology businesses.
Authorities view the country’s diaspora as a strategic resource that can help accelerate innovation and technological development.
Many Burkinabe professionals working abroad have experience in areas such as software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital entrepreneurship — skills that policymakers say could support the country’s digital transformation agenda.
The government has intensified outreach efforts to diaspora networks in recent months as part of broader efforts to strengthen the national digital ecosystem.
In November, Zerbo/Sabane met with a delegation of Afro-descendants led by Arikana Chihombori, the former African Union representative to the United States, to discuss potential collaboration between diaspora professionals and Burkina Faso’s digital initiatives.
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The government hopes that stronger ties with diaspora experts will help stimulate innovation, attract investment and encourage the development of new technology ventures.
Burkina Faso, like many African countries, is seeking to expand its digital economy as part of broader economic diversification efforts.
Digital technologies are increasingly viewed as a driver of growth, job creation and improved public services across the continent.
By connecting domestic technology initiatives with expertise from global innovation centers, authorities hope to accelerate the emergence of new digital projects and strengthen the country’s capacity to compete in the rapidly evolving global technology landscape.
Officials say future cooperation with diaspora networks could play an important role in shaping Burkina Faso’s digital transformation strategy and helping the country build a more resilient and innovative technology sector.
