Burkina Faso Partners with UNDP to Launch an Ambitious Initiative to Localize Artificial Intelligence

On Friday, July 4, 2025, a major step was taken toward making artificial intelligence (AI) more accessible and useful for everyone in Burkina Faso. The Ministry of Digital Transition, Postal and Electronic Communications (MTDPCE) held an important meeting with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to discuss a new and ambitious project. This project is all about making sure that AI can be used responsibly and fairly, especially in developing countries like Burkina Faso.

Burkina Faso partners with UNDP to launch an initiative that aims to bring AI closer to the people. The main goal is to help local communities benefit from AI by making it work in their own languages and by training local experts. This way, AI won’t just be a tool for big companies or people who speak major world languages, it will be something that everyone in Burkina Faso can use and understand.

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At the meeting, Dr. Aminata ZERBO/SABANE, the Minister of Digital Transition, Postal and Electronic Communications, welcomed Eloi KOUADIO IV, the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Burkina Faso. They talked about how this new initiative could change the way technology is used in the country. Burkina Faso partners with UNDP to launch an initiative that will help make sure that AI is used in a way that is safe, fair, and follows important rules and guidelines.

A big part of the project is about adding local languages to AI systems. This means that people who speak different languages in Burkina Faso will be able to use AI tools in their own words, making technology easier and more helpful for everyone. Mr. KOUADIO IV explained that the initiative is not just about using AI, but also about making sure it is used in a responsible way. He said, “This is an initiative that aims to value the tool of artificial intelligence, while ensuring to prevent potential drifts. It integrates regulatory and ethical dimensions, with a focus on building the capacities of technicians to promote responsible artificial intelligence. Particular attention is paid to a critical aspect: the digitalization of local languages, in order to make this tool accessible to the majority of the population of the country.”

This shows how important it is to think about rules and ethics when using new technology. The project will help train local experts and technicians so they can build and use AI in ways that are good for everyone. Burkina Faso partners with UNDP to launch an initiative that will also help make sure that the country’s own rules and priorities are followed.

Minister ZERBO/SABANE talked about how Burkina Faso is already working on digital strategies and other projects to help the country move forward. She said she was happy about the UNDP’s proposal and believes it will make the country’s current efforts even stronger. To make sure everything goes smoothly, the Minister asked for a special technical team to be set up right away. This team will work closely with the UNDP to make sure the initiative fits with what the country needs most.

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This partnership is a big step for Burkina Faso. It shows that the country is ready to take on new technology and use it to help everyone, not just a few people. By working together, Burkina Faso partners with UNDP to launch initiative that could set an example for other countries in the region. The focus on local languages and training means that the benefits of AI will reach more people, making technology a tool for progress and inclusion.

As Burkina Faso partners with UNDP to launch an initiative like this, it sends a strong message: technology should work for everyone, and everyone should have the chance to be part of the digital future. This new project is a hopeful sign that AI can be used in a way that respects local cultures, supports national goals, and helps build a better future for all.

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