Burkina Faso: Personal data protection, a major challenge for a secure and competitive economic ecosystem
The issue of protecting personal data occupies a central place in Burkina Faso’s digital transition. Aware of the risks linked to poor information management, the Commission on Information and Liberties (CIL) organized, on September 23, 2025, in Ouagadougou, an exchange session for executives of the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Handicrafts.
This session aimed to raise participants’ awareness of the importance of adopting good digital practices and anticipating threats related to the use of technology. Several presentations were delivered, particularly on the law governing the protection of personal data and the responsible use of digital platforms.
Discussions highlighted the dual nature of personal data: a resource when well protected, but a vulnerability if neglected. Poorly secured, it becomes an entry point for cybercriminals, paving the way for risks such as espionage, financial fraud, loss of competitiveness, reputational damage, and public mistrust toward institutions and businesses.
The meeting emphasized the need to develop a genuine culture of data protection. Safeguarding personal information is not only about complying with the law; it is also about preserving the sovereignty, competitiveness, and dignity of economic actors.
Participants were encouraged to promote the responsible and ethical use of information—an essential condition for building a modern, secure, and rights-respecting digital environment. The CIL committed itself to supporting public and private entities through training, tailored guidance, and compliance monitoring.
The discussions also underlined the importance of expanding awareness to the private sector, which is particularly exposed to cybercrime threats. The challenge lies in ensuring stronger data protection while reinforcing citizens’ and economic partners’ trust.
Thus, the Ouagadougou meeting marks an important step toward building a secure digital ecosystem, an essential condition for economic development and for Burkina Faso’s successful integration into the global digital economy.
