Burkina Faso is strengthening its digital transformation strategy by launching an artificial intelligence initiative focused on integrating national languages into emerging technologies. The Ministry of Digital Transition, Postal and Electronic Communications, led by Aminata Zerbo/Sabane, has initiated a program to develop AI tools in Moore, Dioula, Fulfuldé, and Gulmancema. The project is being implemented through the Permanent Secretariat of Innovation and Digital Emerging Technologies, with support from academic, linguistic, and media experts, including the RTB national broadcaster. The initiative aims to create structured linguistic datasets that can power technologies such as speech recognition, machine translation, and voice synthesis. By embedding local languages into AI systems, the country seeks to improve accessibility, promote digital inclusion, and strengthen cultural identity. This effort also supports Burkina Faso’s broader goal of building digital sovereignty and expanding AI applications across key sectors of its economy and development strategy toward 2030.
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