Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 19 | Page 49

THE VISION IS ONE OF COUNTRY CONNECTED DIRECTLY TO ALL HIS NEIGHBOURS. to all his neighbours and with a virtual landing station operated by a public-private partnership that guarantees open, nondiscriminatory and transparent access to affordable international connectivity landing in the country.
COUNTRY FOCUS: BURKINA FASO

THE VISION IS ONE OF COUNTRY CONNECTED DIRECTLY TO ALL HIS NEIGHBOURS. to all his neighbours and with a virtual landing station operated by a public-private partnership that guarantees open, nondiscriminatory and transparent access to affordable international connectivity landing in the country.

Why is the expansion of geographical coverage of broadband networks so important for Burkina Faso?
This is important to bring the benefits of internet( economic, social) to as many people as possible and mitigate the risks of a‘ digital divide’ within the population. Poor, remote and sparsely populated areas are typically poorly covered or not covered at all by private operators and this type of project is needed to compensate for this gap. The bank’ s mission is to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. We believe that increasing coverage of broadband networks contributes to these twin goals.
Why is it important to strengthen regional integration through a connection with Benin?
Regional integration improves communications, trade and services flows. This contributes to regional economic growth, improved resilience to crisis, exchanges of goods, services, capital, ideas, etc.
A connection with Benin would complete the digital integration of Burkina Faso, since links already exist with all the other neighbours.
What are the main benefits of strengthening digital infrastructure in Burkina Faso and other similar nations?
In a nutshell, digital infrastructure is the first building block, as this brings access to digital services. Without access, nothing happens. Then comes conducive policy and regulatory environment to foster competition and encourage private investment. This helps having affordable digital services. This project will have impacts on both. The next steps are developing services and increasing usages.
What stage is the project at?
The original project is finishing up( the inauguration of the infrastructures was held on July 10 with the Prime Minister). Everything is operational, The additional financing was approved by the board of the World Bank and should become effective by the end of August. We are doing preparation work at this point.
Burkina Faso to benefit from Blockchain
Blockchain is widely considered to be one of today’ s most disruptive technologies – and it is now accessible in Burkina Faso. www. intelligentcio. com INTELLIGENTCIO
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