Burkina Faso

ICT Profile

Country background
Country name
Burkina Faso
Capital city
Ouagadougou
Name of telecommunications ministry

Ministry of Digital Economy, Posts, and Digital Transformation

Name of telecommunications regulator

 Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques et des Postes (ARCEP)

Population

22.1

Country narrative

Burkina Faso is a low-income Sahelian country with limited natural resources. Its economy is largely based on agriculture, although gold exports are on the rise. More than 40% of the population lives below the poverty line. 
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union have suspended Burkina Faso from their decision-making bodies until constitutional order is restored. However, ECOWAS and the transitional authorities have agreed to the 24-month transition timeline.

Since 2015, the country has been the target of terrorist attacks that have resulted in population displacements. While there were fewer than 50,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the country in January 2019, this number stood at over 1.8 million by December 31, 2022.    

Currency

CFA franc

Key ICT statistics
GSMA mobile connectivity index score

30,4

Regulations and rules
Regolations/Rules
Type of regulation
Telecommunications
Policy name

Law on the general regulation of electronic communications networks and services
LOI N061-2009/AN

Description

The Telecommunications Law of Burkina Faso governs the provision of telecommunications services, licensing requirements, interconnection, and consumer protection. It provides the legal framework for the telecommunications sector in the country.

Communications service providers
Mobile network operator (MNO)
Company name
Orange BF
GSMA HCC signatory
No
Service description
Orange is one of the largest mobile network operators in Burkina Faso. It offers a range of mobile services, including voice calls, SMS, data plans, and mobile money services.
Coverage map (provide URL)
-
Mobile money service available
Yes
Mobile money service info
Orange Money is an electronic payment system that enables you to make financial transactions using your cell phone.
Fibre optic network
Yes
Voice and SMS services
Yes
3G/4G data services
Yes
Mobile network operator (MNO)
Company name
Moov Africa Burkina Faso
GSMA HCC signatory
No
Service description
Moov Africa Burkina Faso, previously known as Onatel, is a major telecommunications company in the country. It offers mobile services, including voice calls, SMS, data plans, and mobile banking.
Coverage map (provide URL)
-
Mobile money service available
Yes
Mobile money service info
Since 2012, airtel offer mobile money platform, Airtel Money, in Burkina Faso in partnership with Ecobank
Fibre optic network
Yes
Voice and SMS services
Yes
3G/4G data services
Yes
Mobile network operator (MNO)
Company name
Airtel BF
GSMA HCC signatory
No
Parent company name (majority holding)
Airtel Africa
Service description
Airtel Burkina Faso is a subsidiary of Airtel Africa and operates as a mobile network operator in the country. It provides mobile voice, data, and value-added services.
Coverage map (provide URL)
-
Mobile money service available
No
Fibre optic network
No
Voice and SMS services
Yes
3G/4G data services
Yes
Internet service provider (ISP)
Company name
ONATEL
Service description
ONATEL (Office National des Télécommunications) is a state-owned telecommunications company in Burkina Faso. It provides internet services to residential and business customers through its brand "FasoNet." ONATEL offers various types of connections, inclu
Fibre optic network
Yes
Internet service provider (ISP)
Company name
Orange BF
Service description
Orange Bf offers internet services, including ADSL, fiber-optic, and mobile broadband.
Fibre optic network
Yes
Internet service provider (ISP)
Company name
TS2 Space
Service description
TS2 SPACE is a satellite internet service provider operating in Burkina Faso. It utilizes satellite technology to provide internet connectivity, especially in remote areas where traditional terrestrial infrastructure may be limited.
Fibre optic network
No
Broadcast radio
Radio station name
Radiodiffusion Télévision du Burkina
Official public broadcaster
Yes
Service description
The state-owned national radio station, Radio Burkina, broadcasts news, music, cultural programs, and other content in multiple languages, including French and local languages.
Band
FM
Broadcast frequency
89.9 MHz
Website
Broadcast radio
Radio station name
Ouaga FM
Official public broadcaster
No
Service description
Ouaga FM is a popular private radio station based in Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso. It features a variety of programs, including news, music, talk shows, and cultural content.
Band
FM
Broadcast frequency
105.2 MHz