As the official phase of Le Faso Digital 2026 comes to a close, attention turns to individuals building Burkina Faso's digital sector. Mariam Congo, a manager and advocate for regional digital cooperation and open data, is being recognized for her efforts. Her work demonstrates that Africa's digital transformation requires dialogue, coordination, and a shared vision. Professionals in the digital field regularly gather in Ouagadougou, Dakar, Abidjan, and Lomé to discuss common concerns.
These concerns include developing competitive African tech companies, financing innovation, and strengthening digital sovereignty. Sharing experiences and building common solutions are also key topics. These issues are not solely resolved in computer labs but also through forums, professional meetings, and institutional negotiations. Mariam Congo has built her commitment in this space, focusing on bringing actors together and coordinating initiatives to shape the African digital landscape.
Mariam Congo's academic background is in economics and management. In 2022, she earned a Master's degree in economics and management from the International Institute of Management in Ouagadougou. She furthered her education at the University of Senghor in Alexandria, Egypt, obtaining a diploma in research funding and partnership management in March 2024. Her education laid the groundwork for a career in project development and management.
In 2021, Mariam Congo began specializing in digital governance, discovering issues related to Internet governance, encryption, and cybersecurity. She participated in a training program for Internet governance, organized by ITICC and Internet Society, and obtained a certification. This experience helped her understand the digital ecosystem and the importance of multi-stakeholder cooperation.
In September 2022, Mariam Congo joined the digital referent training program at the Fabrique Simplon Burkina, part of the Tech4Sahel program. This program aimed to train individuals in digital skills for three Sahel countries. Upon completion, she acquired practical skills in digital tools, communication, and organizational technology support. These experiences sparked her interest in digital transformation, governance, and technological development in Africa.
Between January 2022 and February 2023, Mariam Congo worked at DIGITALES SARL in Ouagadougou, coordinating projects with social and digital impact. She contributed to business plans for agricultural and social projects and supported digital communication for NGOs and pan-African networks. This experience showed her the practical applications of digital technology across various sectors.
In February 2023, Mariam Congo became the executive secretary of the Regroupement des Organisations Professionnelles des TIC des pays membres de l’UEMOA (ROP-TIC). Her responsibilities include coordinating regional projects on digital sovereignty, governance, and transformation. She engages in dialogues between public and private sectors, international institutions, and organizes high-level regional meetings, working with diverse stakeholders across multiple countries.
Key points
- Mariam Congo's work focuses on fostering dialogue and coordination among African stakeholders to shape the continent's digital future.
