The Ministry of Digital Transition, in partnership with the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Postal Services (ARCEP) and national telecom operators, has reported steady progress in their shared mission to enhance telecommunications services and broaden network coverage across the country.
Minister Dr. Aminata Zerbo-Sabané noted that many of the service quality improvement targets agreed upon with the three main operators—Orange Burkina, Telecel Faso, and ONATEL S.A.—have already been achieved. However, some ongoing challenges are still delaying full completion of all the set objectives.
On the infrastructure side, the Ministry and ARCEP announced a bold plan to roll out 800 new telecom sites in 2025. This large-scale deployment aims to address so-called “white zones”, areas that currently lack sufficient network coverage.
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Out of the 800 planned sites:
- 250 will be delivered through the PACTDIGITAL initiative
- 500 will be financed via the Universal Service and Access Fund (FASU)
- An additional 50 sites will be added as white zones are cleared, also supported by FASU
The tender process for this nationwide rollout is already in progress, indicating a clear sign of the government’s determination to close the digital gap and provide reliable, affordable connectivity to every region of Burkina Faso by 2027.
