Ali Drissa Badiel, an engineer in networks and telecommunications, has been instrumental in developing Burkina Faso's digital infrastructure. With a career spanning over three decades, Badiel has contributed significantly to the country's transition from a non-digital to a digitally connected nation. His journey began in 1996 when he joined the Burkinabé national telecommunications company, ONATEL, and participated in the development of FasoNet, the country's first national internet node.
Before venturing into telecommunications, Badiel's educational background was rooted in fundamental sciences. He studied mathematics and physics at the University of Ouagadougou, where he obtained a DEUG, a license, and a master's degree in pure physics. In 1990, he won the third prize at the University of Ouagadougou's Mathematics Olympiad. This solid foundation in sciences laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in telecommunications.
Badiel's entry into the world of telecommunications began with his participation in the development of FasoNet, the national internet node. He worked on the project from November 1996 to October 1999, ensuring the administration and maintenance of the node, including routers, servers, and web services. This marked the beginning of Burkina Faso's connection to the global internet.
As the demand for internet services grew, Badiel played a pivotal role in expanding internet access beyond Ouagadougou. Under the Initiative Internet pour l'Afrique, co-funded by the UNDP and the Burkinabé government, Badiel represented ONATEL as project manager and contributed to the development of the FasoNet node in Bobo-Dioulasso and the Centre d'étude et de formation aux technologies de l'information (CEFTI).
In the early 2000s, Badiel took on more responsibilities at ONATEL, leading projects and participating in the administration of the backbone internet FasoNet. He oversaw the design and implementation of regional internet nodes in various cities, including Koudougou, Ouahigouya, and Kaya. Additionally, he contributed to the establishment of internet connectivity via satellite VSAT in several cities.
As internet usage continued to rise, Badiel led the development of the ONATEL backbone IP/MPLS project between 2005 and 2007. He conducted feasibility studies, participated in the drafting of the project's specifications, and selected suppliers. The new network aimed to provide advanced services, including virtual private networks, IP television, and voice over IP.
Today, Badiel works at a larger scale, collaborating with governments, regulators, operators, and regional organizations across Africa. As the representative of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for West Africa, he addresses critical issues related to connectivity, cybersecurity, and digital governance.
Key points
- Ali Drissa Badiel has played a significant role in developing Burkina Faso's digital infrastructure over the past three decades.
- Badiel's work has expanded beyond Burkina Faso, with collaborations across West Africa and involvement in ITU projects.
- His contributions have facilitated the growth of internet services, from the initial development of FasoNet to the expansion of digital connectivity across the region.
