To enhance administrative efficiency and optimize data management, African governments are increasingly digitizing public services. The ambitious initiative is expected to significantly improve citizens' lives.

Burkina Faso's Ministry of Environment, Water, and Sanitation unveiled a new digital platform on Friday, May 17, to simplify the application process for users. Accessible at www.eservices.envieau.gov.bf, the platform currently streamlines ten environmental procedures.

"This portal will make it easier for our citizens to access these services and improve our ministry's efficiency in responding to user requests," said Aminata Zerbo/Sabane (photo, center), Minister of Digital Transition, Posts, and Electronic Communications, at the launch event.

The ten procedures digitized by the Ministry of Environment include the issuance of technical opinions for the importation of chemical products, certification for biodegradable plastic packaging and bags, exemption certificates for non-biodegradable plastic packaging and bags, and authorization for solid waste management. They also cover permits for the transportation and cutting of wood and charcoal, ecotourism permits, wild animal possession, hunting licenses, and technical approvals in the water and sanitation sector.

The launch of this portal is part of the 2021-2025 National Strategy for the Modernization of Public Administration (SNMAP). This strategy aims to provide Burkina Faso with an excellent public administration serving users by 2025. In the coming months, other ministries will also launch their own platforms, to facilitate interaction between users and the administration while reducing the need for in-person visits.  

This extensive project marks a significant step towards the modernization and digitization of administrative services in Burkina Faso, thereby improving the quality and accessibility of public services for citizens. It reflects the Burkinabe government's commitment to using digital technologies to optimize interactions between citizens and the administration, track requests in real-time, generate statistics on processed applications, facilitate file archiving, and reduce paper usage.

Samira Njoya