Burkina Faso has taken a bold step in strengthening its digital economy by signing a landmark cooperation agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The accord, announced on September 19, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, is expected to accelerate Burkina Faso’s digital transformation, expand access to cutting-edge technologies, and bolster cybersecurity resilience.
According to the Ministry of Digital Transition, Posts and Electronic Communications of Burkina Faso, the memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Dr. Aminata Zerbo/Sabane, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Digital Transition, Posts and Electronic Communications, and Sheik Muhammad Shameen Hosenbocus, Vice President of Presight International Services. Presight, a subsidiary of G42, is the UAE government’s technology arm and a leader in artificial intelligence and advanced digital solutions. The signing ceremony was attended by Burkina Faso’s Ambassador to the UAE, Dr. Souleymane Konate.
This strategic agreement establishes the foundation for collaboration in key areas of digital growth:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Building local expertise and capabilities to apply AI in national development projects.
- Digital Infrastructure: Enhancing connectivity and resilience across Burkina Faso to support economic activities and innovation.
- E-Government: Expanding digital governance initiatives to improve citizen services and public administration.
- Cybersecurity: Strengthening defenses against emerging cyber threats, ensuring the safety of critical national systems.
For Burkina Faso, this partnership is more than symbolic it marks a turning point in the nation’s efforts to position the digital economy as a driver of inclusive growth and long-term resilience. With the UAE’s experience in deploying AI and advanced digital platforms, the collaboration could fast-track projects that support innovation, digital literacy, and secure online services.
The UAE, through G42 and Presight, continues to extend its influence in Africa’s fast-growing digital landscape, bringing investment, technical expertise, and global partnerships. For governments in Africa, such collaborations highlight both the opportunities and challenges of relying on international partnerships to build digital capacity while managing cybersecurity risks.
10 Recommendations for National Cybersecurity, AI, E-Governance, and Digital Infrastructure
- Develop a National Cybersecurity Strategy : Establish a comprehensive framework to address cyber risks, critical infrastructure protection, and cyber incident response.
- Invest in AI Research & Capacity Building : Partner with local cybersecurity providers, universities and international labs to build local expertise in ethical and secure AI development.
- Strengthen Public-Private Partnerships : Encourage collaboration between government, tech companies, and startups to accelerate innovation and resilience.
- Expand Digital Infrastructure : Invest in broadband expansion, cloud infrastructure, and resilient data centers to enhance connectivity.
- Implement Secure E-Governance Platforms : Ensure government digital services are designed with robust privacy and security measures from the ground up.
- Promote Cyber Awareness & Training : Launch cybersecurity training and awareness programs for citizens, civil servants, and businesses.
- Adopt AI Ethics & Governance Policies : Define regulations for responsible AI use, focusing on transparency, fairness, and accountability.
- Enhance Regional Cooperation : Collaborate with African and Middle Eastern states to share intelligence on emerging cyber threats.
- Secure Critical Sectors : Prioritize cybersecurity investments in energy, finance, healthcare, and telecommunications.
- Foster Digital Inclusion : Ensure rural and underserved communities benefit from digital transformation through affordable access and localized services.
Conclusion:
The Burkina Faso–UAE digital cooperation is a significant milestone in West Africa’s digital journey. By combining the UAE’s technological expertise with Burkina Faso’s ambition for inclusive development, the partnership promises to unlock opportunities in AI, e-governance, and cybersecurity. However, the real success will depend on effective implementation, capacity building, and sustained collaboration to ensure that digital transformation remains secure, resilient, and beneficial for all citizens.
