COUNTRY FOCUS: BURKINA FASO
When you think of West Africa, the first thing
that springs to mind probably isn’t cutting-edge
technology. And it’s true to say that Burkina Faso
is still facing considerable challenges. But it’s
also true that technology is playing an important
role in improving the lives of some of the poorest
members of the population. Intelligent CIO
explores some of these technologies which are
helping to bridge the divide in Burkina Faso.
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Technology helps
to bridge the divide
in Burkina Faso
World Bank works to improve
digital infrastructure
A project to improve the digital
infrastructure in Burkina Faso is continuing
to make progress.
Back in April, the World Bank approved a
US$20 million International Development
Association (IDA) credit for Burkina Faso
to expand the geographical coverage of
broadband networks and reduce the costs of
communication services in the country.
This credit complemented the US$19.4
million already allocated to the West Africa
Regional Communications Infrastructure
www.intelligentcio.com
“
DIGITAL
INFRASTRUCTURE
IS THE FIRST
BUILDING
BLOCK, AS THIS
BRINGS ACCESS
TO DIGITAL
SERVICES.
Project (WARCIP) in 2011 that centred
around improving international
connectivity via a fibre optic network
linking Ouagadougou to the Ghanaian
border, as well as creating a public-
private partnership to operate related
telecommunications infrastructure.
This additional financing will further this plan
and help strengthen regional integration
through a connection with Benin.
“With these additional funds, officials in
Burkina Faso will be able to strengthen
digital infrastructures to improve
international connectivity. This will help
extend Internet coverage to the entire
INTELLIGENTCIO
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