In Burkina Faso, the digitalization of administrative tasks is underway, with 272 online public service platforms available, of which 146 are operational since 2025. The government's goal is to make public services more accessible to citizens and businesses. However, the country's internet penetration rate stands at 22.4%, with 5.42 million active internet users as of late 2025. This digital divide poses a significant challenge to the widespread adoption of online administrative services.
Claudine Zongi, a motor-disabled woman, faced difficulties in obtaining her casier judiciaire due to her lack of an Android phone and technical expertise. She eventually had to visit a police station to complete the process, but appreciated the preferential treatment she received due to her disability. Her experience highlights the need for accessible and user-friendly online services that cater to diverse needs. The digitalization of administrative tasks can help reduce waiting times and travel, but it requires adequate equipment, connectivity, and technical skills.
Carole Hien, a pharmacy student, owns an Android phone but struggles to navigate the online platform for student loan applications. She often seeks help from her brother or pays 500-1,000 FCFA to someone who can assist her. Her story illustrates the difficulties faced by individuals who lack technical expertise or access to support. A sensitization campaign to educate students about the online application process could help alleviate these challenges.
Brenda Bonko, despite owning a phone and having technical skills, was unable to obtain her casier judiciaire online due to repeated rejections. She now relies on her younger brother's assistance, paying 750 FCFA per request. Her experience underscores the need for user-friendly platforms and effective support systems. The government's efforts to centralize public services online and provide secure access are steps in the right direction.
According to Wearetech.africa, the Burkina Faso government launched a national portal on May 5, 2026, which centralizes all online public services and guarantees secure access. The portal offers approximately 1,672 information sheets, 95 dematerialized procedures, and 183 public institutions. However, the rate of internet penetration and technical difficulties remain significant obstacles to the widespread adoption of online administrative services.
A survey of 14 individuals revealed that 78.6% have performed at least one online administrative task, while 21.4% have not. The main difficulties cited were the lack of a smartphone or computer (28.6%), internet connectivity issues (21.4%), and the complexity of certain platforms (21.4%). These findings highlight the need for increased accessibility, user-friendly platforms, and support systems to ensure that digitalization benefits all citizens.
The digitalization of administrative tasks offers numerous benefits, including reduced travel and waiting times, and increased accessibility. However, it also creates new challenges for individuals who lack the necessary equipment, technical skills, or support. To address these challenges, the government and stakeholders must work together to promote digital literacy, improve platform usability, and provide effective support systems. Key initiatives include extending internet coverage, deploying fiber optic cables, and establishing mini-data centers.
Key points
- The digitalization of administrative tasks in Burkina Faso faces challenges related to accessibility, technical difficulties, and internet penetration.
- The government's efforts to centralize public services online and provide secure access are steps in the right direction.
- Increased accessibility, user-friendly platforms, and support systems are necessary to ensure that digitalization benefits all citizens.
