Gathered in Bobo-Dioulasso, representatives of local authorities, public administration, and electronic communications actors are taking part in a four-day workshop initiated by ARCEP. The objective is to strengthen their role in the deployment of digital infrastructure to improve the quality of telecommunications services in Burkina Faso.
From June 29 to July 2, 2026, the Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP) is organizing an information exchange and awareness workshop at the Bobo-Dioulasso Maison de la Culture under the theme: "Digital as a lever for economic development: what contributions and support from local authorities for improving the quality of service of electronic communications operators?"
The meeting brings together 132 participants, including administrators and agents of local authorities from different regions of Burkina Faso.
In his opening speech, the Executive Secretary of ARCEP, Comrade Wendlassida Patrice Compaoré, recalled that the quality of electronic communications is not solely the responsibility of operators or the regulator, but constitutes a collective challenge.
According to him, local authorities hold a strategic position due to their proximity to the population. They must therefore help to address the misunderstandings surrounding the deployment of new radioelectric sites, which often face opposition from local residents.
"The populations who today oppose the installation of infrastructure are sometimes the first to later complain about poor network quality," he stressed, adding that it is essential to strengthen awareness to promote social acceptance of digital infrastructure.
Digital, a lever for local development
Representing the Governor of the Guiriko region, the Secretary General of the Houet province, Sombéniwendé Nikiema, officially opened the proceedings. He praised an initiative that addresses a major territorial development challenge.
Drawing on the vision of the country's highest authorities, he recalled that digital has become an essential tool for modernizing administration, improving public services, strengthening security, and stimulating the local economy.
He noted, however, that this ambition is hampered by difficulties encountered in deploying telecommunications infrastructure, particularly opposition linked to misinformation or population concerns.
Illustrating this reality with his personal experience in certain communes of the region, he insisted on the need for high-performance networks, especially in the current security context where rapid information circulation remains essential.
Four days to better understand the issues
During the four days of work, participants will benefit from presentations on the legal and regulatory framework for infrastructure deployment, administrative easements, non-ionizing radiation, international standards, and the responsibilities of various actors.
Experts from ARCEP, the ministry in charge of digital transition, ANEVE, and telecommunications operators will share their experiences to better equip local authorities.
For Comrade Executive Secretary of ARCEP, Patrice Compaoré, the goal is that each participant, at the end of the training, can effectively respond to the concerns of the population and support the development of digital infrastructure in their territory.
For ARCEP officials, this initiative aims to strengthen dialogue between local authorities, public administrations, and operators to sustainably improve the quality of electronic communications services. This ambition is part of the national dynamic of digital transformation and economic development of Burkina Faso.
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