Burkina Faso has taken a bold step to accelerate its digital transformation as President Ibrahim Traoré’s administration launched a computer recycling initiative aimed at expanding digital inclusion and empowering vulnerable communities.
The programme, introduced on March 14, 2026, in Ouagadougou under the ICT Programme in Faso (PROTAF), focuses on refurbishing outdated government-owned computer equipment and redistributing it to underserved populations. Authorities say the move will strengthen access to technology while driving inclusive economic growth.
Officials quickly collected about 30 computers from public offices, alongside keyboards, printers, and other accessories. Technicians, working with student volunteers, repaired a large portion of the equipment. As a result, 22 central units and several functional screens were restored and prepared for redistribution.
The initiative goes beyond hardware recovery. It actively promotes digital literacy, especially among women in Gourcy. Between March 16 and 19, around 30 women are receiving hands-on training in basic computer use, office tools, and internet navigation. This effort aims to equip participants with practical skills that can unlock income-generating opportunities.
Some beneficiaries will also receive refurbished computers to support small businesses such as public secretariat services. This approach ensures that access to devices translates directly into economic empowerment.
Importantly, the programme targets widows of defence and security personnel, women’s associations, and other at-risk groups. By doing so, the government places social inclusion at the center of its digital agenda.
The Ministry of Digital Transition, Postal and Electronic Communications has endorsed the initiative, highlighting its alignment with Burkina Faso’s national digital strategy. Ministry representative Somborigna Djélika Drabo emphasized that the project supports ongoing efforts to expand access to digital services and simplify interactions between citizens and the state.
Moreover, the recycling programme forms part of a broader national plan to implement twelve major digital transition projects. Authorities believe these initiatives will reduce the digital divide, strengthen technological independence, and position Burkina Faso as a rising digital force in West Africa.
As momentum builds, the government continues to leverage innovation to create opportunities for underserved communities. This latest move signals a clear commitment to digital sovereignty and inclusive development in one of the region’s fastest-evolving tech landscapes.
