• Burkina Faso is exploring partnerships with Russia to train talent in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

• A pilot training program is already running in Ouagadougou with a Novosibirsk university.

• Africa could require 230 million digital-skilled jobs by 2030, highlighting urgent capacity gaps.

Aminata Zerbo/Sabane, Minister of Digital Transition, met Natalia Krasovskaia, Executive Director of the Russian Public Diplomacy Center, on April 28 in Bobo-Dioulasso. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the National Culture Week and focused on exploring training projects in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

Both parties discussed the launch of training programs for young people in Burkina Faso. The ministry stated that an initial initiative is already underway in Ouagadougou. The program operates in a regional high school in partnership with a university based in Novosibirsk.

The initiative aims to develop job-ready profiles as demand for digital skills rises, driven by the digitalization of services and businesses.

In addition, authorities are considering further collaboration with a private polytechnic institute to strengthen executive-level training. The government aims to build a local talent pool capable of supporting digital transformation and reducing reliance on foreign expertise.

This engagement forms part of a broader strategy to diversify Burkina Faso’s international partnerships, with increasing focus on technology sectors. Authorities aim to lay the foundation for a more autonomous digital ecosystem aligned with market needs.

The partnership comes amid a wider shortage of skilled labor in Africa’s technology sector. According to the Foresight Africa 2025–2030 published by the Brookings Institution, nearly 230 million jobs in sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030. The report also projects up to 650 million training opportunities, representing a market valued at about $130 billion.

This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum