• Burkina Faso received a delegation of Italian investors on April 22, 2026, to explore opportunities in digital health, drones, agriculture, and energy.
• Authorities prioritized public-private partnerships that ensure technology transfer, local training, and digital sovereignty.
• The government targeted universal digital coverage by 2030, with a focus on eliminating rural connectivity gaps through solar-powered infrastructure.

Burkina Faso has opened discussions with foreign investors as it accelerates its digital transformation agenda and seeks to attract capital into strategic technology sectors, including artificial intelligence, healthcare, and drone applications.

The Ministry of Digital Transition hosted an Italian investor delegation on Wednesday, April 22, led by Burkina Faso’s ambassador to Italy, Cyrille Ganou/Badolo, and received by Secretary General Borlli Michel Some. The meeting marked a step in the country’s strategy to connect public administration systems and eliminate remaining “white zones” in digital coverage.

The delegation presented several technology proposals tailored to local needs. It proposed drone-based solutions to improve healthcare delivery and vaccination campaigns in rural areas. It also introduced digital medical data management systems designed to strengthen health infrastructure. Investors from technology, agriculture, and energy sectors participated and expressed interest in public-private partnerships.

Burkina Faso’s authorities emphasized that they structured cooperation around digital sovereignty principles. They stated that they prioritized partnerships that included training programs, co-development frameworks, and local ownership of technologies. The government aimed to build domestic capacity to manage digital infrastructure and sensitive data.

The discussions also addressed energy constraints linked to digital expansion. The government set a target to eliminate all connectivity gaps by 2030 and promoted the use of solar energy solutions to power telecommunications infrastructure in rural regions. Authorities encouraged investors to propose sustainable technologies capable of supporting long-term network expansion.

The meeting took place as Burkina Faso accelerated multiple digital initiatives, including digital identity systems and the adoption of emerging technologies to improve public service efficiency.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum