The Autorité de régulation des communications électroniques et des postes (ARCEP) has opened a three-day workshop in Ziniaré, Burkina Faso, to engage with consumer associations, civil society organizations, and citizen watch groups. The meeting, which runs from September 28 to 30, 2026, aims to enhance consumers' understanding of their rights and gather their concerns about electronic communication services. The workshop will cover topics such as service quality, consumer protection, and complaint handling mechanisms.
The initiative is part of ARCEP's efforts to ensure effective regulation of the electronic communication sector. The regulator has adopted several decisions in recent years to regulate commercial offers, strengthen operator obligations, and improve user protection. ARCEP's goal is to engage in regular dialogue with consumers to assess the impact of these measures, collect user concerns, and identify areas for improvement. The meeting in Ziniaré brings together around 70 to 90 participants.
Representing the regional governor, High Commissioner of Oubri Province Saîdou Guigma emphasized the growing importance of electronic communications in daily life and the economy. He noted that mobile services, high-speed internet, and mobile financial services have become essential tools for economic growth, financial inclusion, and public and private service continuity. Guigma stressed that regulation cannot be effective without collaboration with consumer organizations.
The workshop will address various themes, including ARCEP's consumer protection missions, regulatory decisions, and commercial offer control actions. Participants will also discuss complaint handling mechanisms, allowing consumers to better understand the recourse procedures and steps to take when encountering difficulties with operators. Salamata Rouamba, ARCEP's technical advisor, highlighted the importance of user information in enabling consumers to understand their rights and obligations.
Cybercrime and digital fraud are also on the agenda, with a focus on mobile financial scams and the role of the Brigade centrale de lutte contre la cybercriminalité (BCLCC). Participants will be sensitized to the risks associated with these threats. The workshop also aims to gather consumer concerns and recommendations, with the goal of strengthening the partnership between ARCEP and consumer organizations.
The meeting is expected to result in a better understanding of ARCEP's missions, consumer rights and obligations, and service quality control mechanisms. The workshop will also provide a platform for consumers to share their observations on services offered in the region and obstacles faced.
At the end of the workshop, priorities and consensual recommendations from users are expected to be produced.
Key points
- The ARCEP is engaging with consumers to enhance their understanding of their rights and gather concerns about electronic communication services.
- The workshop aims to strengthen the partnership between ARCEP and consumer organizations.
- The meeting will address various themes, including service quality, consumer protection, and complaint handling mechanisms.
