Burkina Faso Validates Key Manual to Strengthen Digital Governance

Key Milestone in Digital Transformation

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – The Ministry of Digital Transition, Posts and Electronic Communications (MTDPCE) of Burkina Faso officially validated a crucial Manual of Procedures for the Management of Information Systems on September 23, 2025. This significant step, taken during a workshop in Ouagadougou, is designed to bolster digital governance and streamline administrative processes across the nation's public sector.

The validation workshop was chaired by Dr. Borlli Michel Some, Secretary General of the MTDPCE, who represented Minister Aminata Zerbo/Sabane. The event brought together representatives from various ministerial departments, public institutions, and key stakeholders within Burkina Faso's digital sector.

Purpose and Impact of the New Manual

The newly validated manual is intended to serve as a harmonized reference framework for public structures, providing a standardized approach to managing information systems. Officials emphasized that this document addresses a regulatory requirement that has existed for over two decades, obliging every public service to have such a manual.

According to Boureima Ouédraogo, Director of Institutional Development and Innovation at the Ministry, 'Its adoption allows not only to correct a gap, but also to provide the directors of information systems with a didactic tool. It then serves as a guide, directs actors in the implementation of activities and specifies everyone's responsibilities.' The manual is expected to:

• Close a long-standing regulatory gap.
• Provide a practical teaching tool for directors of information systems.
• Clarify the responsibilities of all involved actors in information system management.

Dr. Some highlighted that this initiative is not merely procedural but represents a decisive step towards building a modern, resilient, and efficient public administration capable of addressing current challenges.

Broader Digital Governance Context

This development is an integral part of Burkina Faso's broader agenda to advance its digital transformation, streamline governance processes, and enhance efficiency in public administration. The country has been actively pursuing a comprehensive digital roadmap, including the National Strategy for the Development of the Digital Economy (SN@DEN) 2018-2027, which aims to position Burkina Faso as a competitive digital economy.

Efforts to strengthen digital governance also align with the government's 2030 vision, which includes 12 major projects such as ensuring nationwide connectivity, data sovereignty, digital identity for all citizens, and the dematerialization of administrative processes. Furthermore, the World Bank approved a $150 million Digital Acceleration Project in January 2024 to improve access to infrastructure, public services, and digital skills in Burkina Faso.

Next Steps for Implementation

Following its validation, the manual will undergo formal approval through a joint decree signed by the Minister of Digital Transition and the Minister of Public Service. Once fully endorsed, it will be distributed across all relevant institutions, accompanied by a monitoring mechanism to ensure its effective application.