Scarlett Zongo, an entrepreneur and consultant from Burkina Faso, has dedicated her career to harnessing digital innovation to address pressing urban challenges. Her journey into technological entrepreneurship began with the creation of Aino Digital in 2019. With a background in urban planning, project management, and environmental engineering, Zongo aimed to develop solutions that cater to the specific needs of her community. Her endeavors focus on enhancing the quality of life for Burkinabè citizens through technology-driven initiatives.
Zongo's educational background, which includes a degree in marketing from Collège LaSalle in Canada, a master's in urban planning from the University of Quebec in Montreal, and another in environmental engineering from École de technologie supérieure de Montréal, has equipped her with a unique blend of skills. These skills span urban development, environmental sustainability, and project management. In 2016, she founded Cité Branchée / Eco Boost, a consulting firm specializing in environmental and social studies, sustainable urban planning, and business consulting.
The idea for SAUVIE, a solution designed to facilitate emergency alerts through a personal QR code, was born out of Zongo's observations of the challenges faced during emergencies in Burkina Faso. When an individual is involved in an accident and is unconscious or unable to communicate, locating their next of kin can be a significant challenge. SAUVIE aims to bridge this gap by providing a wearable device with a QR code that, when scanned, triggers an alert to designated contacts. This solution also allows for the sharing of critical health information with medical responders.
SAUVIE was officially introduced to the public on February 23, 2022, in Ouagadougou, garnering attention from various Burkinabè media outlets. The solution has been met with enthusiasm, particularly from the Brigade nationale des sapeurs-pompiers, who see the potential for SAUVIE to expedite emergency response times. By streamlining the process of identifying individuals in distress and notifying their emergency contacts, SAUVIE seeks to make a tangible impact on emergency response and healthcare delivery.
The development of SAUVIE has been marked by several milestones, including its recognition as the winner of the first national prize at the Prix Orange de l’entrepreneur social en Afrique et au Moyen-Orient (POESAM) in September 2022. This accolade came with a prize of two million CFA francs and further validated the potential of SAUVIE to effect social change. In November 2023, Aino Digital entered into a partnership with the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Bogodogo to pilot SAUVIE in medical and surgical emergency services.
The pilot phase of SAUVIE at the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Bogodogo was slated for six months, during which the solution would be tested in a real-world setting. This phase aimed to assess the practicality and effectiveness of SAUVIE in enhancing emergency response within healthcare facilities. Zongo's work has also been recognized through various awards, including a special prize at the 18th Semaine du numérique for her contributions to the digital sector.
As of October 28, 2026, SAUVIE is set to be distributed in Barka Energies stations in Ouagadougou, marking a significant step in its deployment. This distribution aims to make SAUVIE more accessible to the public, furthering its potential to impact emergency response and personal safety positively. Through her work, Zongo exemplifies the innovative spirit of Burkinabè entrepreneurs who are leveraging technology to address local challenges and improve the lives of their fellow citizens.
Key points
- Scarlett Zongo's solution, SAUVIE, utilizes a personal QR code to facilitate emergency alerts and information sharing, addressing a critical gap in emergency response in Burkina Faso.
- Zongo's background in urban planning, project management, and environmental engineering has informed her approach to developing technology-driven solutions for urban challenges.
- SAUVIE has received several recognitions, including the first national prize at the Prix Orange de l’entrepreneur social en Afrique et au Moyen-Orient (POESAM) in 2022.
