As Le Faso Digital 2026 approaches, the spotlight shines on Yacouba Sow, a pivotal figure in Burkina Faso's digital landscape. With a background in information systems, cybersecurity, and digital transformation, Sow currently serves as the Director General of FasoCode-X. His conviction is clear: a nation's digital sovereignty begins with cultivating skilled personnel. This philosophy stems from his extensive experience in the field, where he has witnessed firsthand the importance of competent individuals in operating and securing digital infrastructure.
Sow's journey into the world of technology began with his education. He studied at the ISIG, now known as Université Aube Nouvelle, in Ouagadougou, where he earned a diploma in computer engineering with a focus on network and telecommunications technology in 2009. He furthered his education in France, obtaining a master's degree in IT systems management from the Institut d'Ingénierie Informatique 3IL de Limoges in 2012. His professional career commenced before completing his second degree, with his first significant role at Connecteo, a subsidiary of Monaco Telecom, where he worked on a VSAT network deployed across seven West African countries.
The VSAT technology, which enables satellite communication through relatively small antennas, proved invaluable for connecting remote or underserved areas. Sow's expertise in this area became a lasting asset, leading to his role as a training expert at the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization (ITSO) in 2013. He conducted workshops at the Union internationale des télécommunications' centers of excellence, focusing on satellite communications and VSAT systems. This period marked a significant shift in his career, as he transitioned from being solely a technician and manager to also becoming a trainer.
Between 2012 and 2014, Sow joined Water and Sanitation for Africa, where he took on the role of IT and information systems manager. His responsibilities included overseeing the IT projects, developing strategic plans and IT policies for an organization with 32 country offices, and managing virtual servers, data backup, telecommunications, and incident response. This role highlighted the strategic importance of information technology within an organization, demonstrating that efficient IT systems could significantly impact operations.
In October 2014, Sow began his tenure at the Maison de l’Entreprise du Burkina Faso as the IT manager, a position he held until April 2023. This period was crucial in understanding his impact on Burkina Faso's digital landscape. During his time there, he led ICT projects involving the government and several international partners, including the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, and the European Union. Notably, he played a key role in the implementation of the Integrated Single Window System (SIGU), which aimed to dematerialize business creation processes.
The implementation of SIGU interconnected the Centres de formalités des entreprises (CEFORE) nationwide, streamlining business licensing, creation formalities, and construction acts. This digital transformation significantly simplified the process of creating and managing businesses, reducing the time and complexity involved. Sow's work at the Maison de l’Entreprise directly influenced thousands of entrepreneurs, showcasing the practical application of digital technologies in enhancing economic activities.
Today, as the Director General of FasoCode-X, Yacouba Sow continues to advocate for the development of digital competencies as a foundation for digital sovereignty. His extensive experience, spanning from the installation and administration of digital infrastructure to training and strategic management, positions him as a leading figure in Burkina Faso's digital sector. His philosophy that "digital sovereignty is not decreed, but formed" underscores the importance of education and training in achieving a self-sufficient digital future.
Key points
- Yacouba Sow emphasizes that digital sovereignty begins with forming competent personnel.
- Sow has worked on significant projects, including the deployment of a VSAT network across seven West African countries and the implementation of the Integrated Single Window System (SIGU) at the Maison de l’Entreprise du Burkina Faso.
- As the Director General of FasoCode-X, Sow continues to champion the development of digital competencies in Burkina Faso.
