The government of Burkina Faso has stepped up its digital transformation push by signing a landmark partnership with the national broadcaster and launching a national artificial-intelligence (AI) agenda designed to expand inclusion, strengthen sovereignty and modernise public service broadcasting.On 21 October 2025, the Ministry of Digital Transition, Posts and Electronic Communications and Radio and Television of Burkina (RTB) formalised a collaboration to bring advanced AI solutions into public communications. According to ministry statements, an AI-powered translation system developed by the Virtual University of Burkina’s Interdisciplinary Centre for Artificial Intelligence for Development (CITADEL) will enable broadcasts in both Mooré and French, thereby improving access to public information for non-French speaking citizens. Beyond the translation tool, the initiative forms part of a broader roadmap: a national AI strategy scheduled for implementation by 2026, focusing on six pillars including infrastructure, data governance, skills development, legal/ethical frameworks, innovation and entrepreneurship. Authorities say the goal is to equip Burkina Faso with next-generation research and digital capabilities.Observers say this move is significant in three respects. First, it reflects West Africa’s increasing recognition of tech governance as a dimension of sovereignty. Second, by emphasising local languages and culturally relevant content, Burkina Faso is positioning itself ahead of many peers in the region for digital inclusion. Third, the focus on capacity building — rather than just technology importation — suggests a medium-term strategy to build home-grown digital ecosystems rather than rely solely on external partners.
That said, the work ahead is considerable. The country must translate policy into practice, ensure that AI deployment respects rights and avoids exacerbating inequalities, and secure funding and operational capacity in a context where digital infrastructure remains uneven. The partnership with RTB and the adoption of AI tools mark a bold start — but execution will determine whether Burkina Faso’s digital leap will fulfil its promise of innovation and inclusion.
