Burkina plans 30 billion CFA francs for artificial intelligence
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Lefaso
The Burkinabe government plans to mobilise 30 billion CFA francs over five years to develop artificial intelligence and create 5,000 specialised jobs by 2030. The 2026–2030 national roadmap was approved on 19 June after ten months of consultations, and its official publication is still awaited, according to Lefaso and Dr Yaya Traoré.
The Burkinabe government plans to mobilise 30 billion CFA francs over five years to develop artificial intelligence, according to the 2026–2030 national roadmap presented at a virtual conference and reported by Lefaso. The document allocates the funding across five areas, including 10.5 billion for developing and testing AI solutions.
Sovereign infrastructure and data preparation would each receive 6 billion CFA francs. Training and skills development would mobilise 4.5 billion, while 3 billion would be allocated to governance and coordination. Dr Yaya Traoré believes that this funding, despite being limited in view of the ambitions, would make it possible to gradually launch the priority actions.
The roadmap provides for training at least 500 AI specialists and 140 community leaders, with the aim of creating 5,000 specialised jobs by 2030. Approved on 19 June 2026 after ten months of work and consultations, the document is still awaiting official publication, according to Yaya Traoré. It forms part of Burkina Faso’s 12 digital transition projects for 2030 and is aligned with the RELANCE plan and the national strategy for developing the digital economy, which is currently being revised.
The initiative is part of Burkina Faso’s efforts to transform its economy, following the publication of targets for annual growth of 7.2% by 2030. The government has also launched Faso Wa-Fulu, its 2,800 billion CFA franc electricity programme.
