The third edition of the Pan-African Elderly Salon (SPA) took place in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, from October 5-9, 2026. The event, themed "Seniors and Digital Society: Adaptation, Inclusion, and Intergenerational Transmission," brought together elderly individuals, experts, and stakeholders to discuss the opportunities and challenges presented by digital technologies for seniors. The SPA aimed to promote intergenerational dialogue, knowledge sharing, and digital literacy among elderly participants. Over several days, attendees engaged in discussions, training sessions, and workshops. The event concluded with a ceremony that highlighted the importance of digital inclusion for seniors.
The ceremony was attended by Innocent Gondé, representing the Minister of Family and Solidarity, who emphasized the crucial role seniors play in society. He stressed that a society that respects its elderly is one that honors its memory, protects its dignity, and prepares its future. Gondé called for ensuring that the digital transformation does not become a new source of exclusion for seniors. He advocated for facilitating access to digital services, information, healthcare, and administrative procedures for elderly individuals, with tailored support. This, he believes, will enable seniors to fully participate in the digital economy and maintain their social connections.
Yacine Zetiyenga, the promoter of the salon, highlighted the achievements of the third edition. She noted that elderly participants were introduced to digital tools and artificial intelligence, enabling them to stay updated with technological advancements. Some seniors, who are entrepreneurs, learned how to leverage social media to increase visibility for their activities. The event also addressed cybersecurity concerns, aiming to educate participants about the risks associated with the improper use of digital tools. By empowering seniors with digital skills, the SPA sought to bridge the digital divide and promote intergenerational learning.
The event provided a platform for knowledge sharing and intergenerational transmission. Alimata Sawadogo, a mission officer at the Ministry of Communication, Culture, Arts, and Tourism, praised the initiative for promoting the exchange of knowledge and skills between generations. She noted that the salon enabled seniors to learn more about digital technologies and understand their potential in valorizing their experiences. Sawadogo emphasized that digital technologies offer a powerful means of sharing the wealth of experience and knowledge accumulated by seniors.
The closing ceremony included the awarding of prizes and certificates to participants. In his remarks, Innocent Gondé urged institutions, local authorities, families, and young people to make solidarity with elderly individuals a permanent responsibility. He stressed the need to translate the recommendations of the salon into concrete actions, ensuring that the gains made during the event are sustained. This, he believes, will help create a more inclusive and supportive environment for seniors.
Yacine Zetiyenga announced that the activities of the salon will continue through a program to be deployed until the next edition. This program aims to consolidate the achievements of the event and enable seniors to continue learning and sharing their knowledge. By sustaining the momentum generated during the salon, the organizers hope to create a lasting impact and promote digital inclusion for seniors across Africa.
The third Pan-African Elderly Salon demonstrated the potential of digital technologies to enhance the lives of seniors. By promoting digital literacy, intergenerational learning, and social connections, the event contributed to creating a more inclusive and age-friendly digital society. As the event concluded, stakeholders and participants alike recognized the importance of continued efforts to support the digital inclusion of seniors and harness the benefits of digital technologies for all.
Key points
- The 3rd Pan-African Elderly Salon emphasized the need for digital inclusion of seniors.
- The event promoted intergenerational dialogue, knowledge sharing, and digital literacy among elderly participants.
- The salon's recommendations will be translated into concrete actions to support the digital inclusion of seniors.
