A Rwandan delegation led by Jules Kazungu, Director General of the Regional Research Centre for Integrated Development, visited Ouagadougou to attend the second edition of Le Faso Digital 2026. The event, which features Rwanda as the guest of honor, aims to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the digital and commercial sectors. The Rwandan delegation met with Roland Achille Sow, President of the Burkina Faso Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to explore potential areas of collaboration.
The meeting between the Rwandan delegation and the Burkina Faso Chamber of Commerce and Industry focused on exchanging knowledge and best practices in public institutions, private enterprises, and civil society. The two countries discussed possible cooperation in areas such as public service dematerialization, customs modernization, and digitalization of public markets. Jules Kazungu emphasized that the goal is to share Rwanda's experience in digital innovation with Burkina Faso and identify concrete projects for collaboration.
One of the key areas of cooperation is the digitalization of administrative services. Rwanda's experience with the "Irembo" platform, which provides access to 250 state services, was highlighted as a potential model for Burkina Faso. The Rwandan delegation also proposed collaborating on the E-Procurement project to reduce the use of paper in government services. Additionally, the two countries discussed cooperation in customs and taxation, with Rwanda's Revenue Authority (RRA) platform serving as a potential example.
The cooperation between Rwanda and Burkina Faso is expected to extend beyond public services to include trade and industry. The Rwandan delegation aims to promote exchanges between companies from both countries, particularly in the digital sector. Jules Kazungu expressed hope that the discussions will lead to concrete projects between Rwandan and Burkinabé digital enterprises.
Le Faso Digital 2026 provides a platform for Rwandan and Burkinabé actors to share innovations and explore collaboration opportunities. As the guest of honor, Rwanda sees this event as a chance to showcase its expertise in digital technologies and promote partnerships with Burkina Faso. The event is expected to facilitate the exchange of ideas and experiences, potentially leading to future collaborations.
A working committee is set to be established to identify priority projects and modalities for implementation. The committee will work with Burkinabé partners to determine specific needs and develop concrete initiatives. Jules Kazungu emphasized that the goal is to move beyond discussions and develop tangible projects that can drive digital transformation in both countries.
The digital cooperation between Rwanda and Burkina Faso aims to drive modernization and development in both countries. By sharing experiences and expertise, the two nations hope to accelerate their digital transformation and improve the delivery of public services. The success of these initiatives will depend on the effective implementation of concrete projects and the collaboration between Rwandan and Burkinabé stakeholders.
Key points
- Rwanda and Burkina Faso discuss cooperation in digitalization of public services, customs modernization, and trade.
