Overview

The MDENP (Ministère de l’Économie numérique, des Postes et de la Transformation Digitale) is responsible of the development of infrastructures and to promote a local industry based on ICT (Information Communication &Technology). In addition, the MDENP is working in closed coordination with the ARCEP, an independent structure in charge to monitor compliance with regulations and commitments made by network operators and service providers, internet DNS (Domain Name System) domain management, approval of imported/local made electronic equipment or radio frequencies management. As of September 2021, three private operators share the mobile market in Burkina Faso: Moov Africa, Telecel Faso SA, and Orange Burkina Faso SA. According to the last Q1 2021 report from ARCEP[1], there is currently a total of 23 466 416 active sim cards in country for a population estimated around 21 million persons. There is no restriction to register a sim card and only requires a valid identity card to buy either a postpaid or prepaid subscription. Then, all current operators have a broad range of mobile plans and internet solutions for both individual and business with competitive offers and bundles. In addition, there is also ISPs companies available in country offering VSAT (Very Smart Aperture Terminal) installation, fiber connection or IT solution (server, maintenance etc.)   

For more information on telecoms contacts, please see the following link: 4.11 Additional Services Contact List.

Telecommunications Regulations

ARCEP is the regulatory authority in charge to manage, to deliver authorizations and to control the frequencies. For the below equipment under a regulation in place, a process of certification (more information here) and a license to operate/use the equipment in country (list of forms available here) are required.

Existing Humanitarian Telecoms Systems

The United Nations agencies have a national telecom system under the same umbrella and managed by UNDSS (United Nations Department of Safety and Security). A common radio room is operating 24/7 from Ouagadougou.

Meanwhile, WFP is leading a project to implement a Common Technology Services to its partners, NGOs and other humanitarian organizations (more information here).

Photo: WFP/ICT Department

In this regard, WFP ICT has opened last November 2021 in Djibo (Sahel region) a cybercafe located in the UNHCR office. WFP ICT team has installed a V-SAT solution with a free access to internet (dedicated room with equipment and Wi-Fi) including backup up system with generator and solar panels. In this area, the mobile network coverage is unstable due to antennas damaged by the armed groups.

Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

For the government, the development of the fiber optic network is a priority in 2021 with the aim to boost the digital economy, to offer quality services, connectivity and technological innovation. In country, Virtual Technologies & Solutions, Group Vivendi Africa, Orange and Moov Africa are the main operators developing the fiber optic technology.

Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)

As date of September 2021, three mobile companies are operating in country with a license valid for 15 years and renewable by the ARCEP:

• Moov Africa with a license valid until 21/06/2037
• Orange Burkina Faso SA with a license valid until 27/05/2035
• Telecel Faso SA with a license valid until 27/05/2035

National coverage is not fully effective considering many remote areas are not connected to any network. Regarding this matter, the ARCEP – through the Universal Service – is managing a dedicated fund and the project implementation to allow localities deemed unprofitable by operators and people with low purchasing power to access electronic communications services.

For information on MNOs please visit the GSM Association website.

[1] Report available here

[2] Depending on the area, source ARCEP – further information here