Cybastion Unveils the American Tech Hub: A New Era for Burkina Faso’s Digital Transformation
Cybastion, a prominent U.S. technology firm, has made headlines by officially launching the American Tech Hub during the 20th annual Digital Week in Burkina Faso. This initiative aims to bolster the country’s digital transformation and enhance local digital capacities, signaling a significant step forward in empowering the nation’s technological landscape.
A Vision for Sustainable Digital Foundations
At the heart of this launch was a speech by Armand Tchokokam, Cybastion’s Executive Vice President and co-founder. He underscored the necessity of establishing sustainable digital infrastructures in Burkina Faso. Tchokokam articulated, “Our priority is to build solutions that remain in the hands of Burkinabè institutions, while ensuring a strong and measurable transfer of skills.” His commitment to fostering digital sovereignty reflects a broader goal of supporting economic development through innovative solutions tailored to the local context.
Immersive Innovation Showcase
The American Tech Hub serves as an immersive exhibition space where visitors can explore groundbreaking innovations from a range of U.S. technology companies, such as Entrust, Uptime Institute, Vertiv, and Credence ID. Local partner Open SI also features prominently in this innovative ecosystem. The exhibition aligns closely with the key components of Cybastion’s Digital Fast Track program, which focuses on essential areas like digital solutions, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and education. These pillars are crucial in fulfilling Burkina Faso’s aspirations for digital sovereignty.
A Gathering of Minds: Digital Week Highlights
Held from November 18 to 21, this year’s Digital Week embraced the theme “Artificial Intelligence at the Heart of Digital Transformation.” Attendees included the U.S. Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Joann M. Lockard, alongside Cybastion executives who guided visitors through the various exhibition zones. This gathering created an opportunity for dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas, further solidifying partnerships aimed at enhancing Burkina Faso’s digital capabilities.
Empowering the Youth
Burkina Faso is witnessing a remarkable digital surge, fueled by a youthful population—over 75% of its 23 million residents are under the age of 35. Mobile internet penetration has reached an impressive 82.14%, predominantly supported by 3G and 4G networks. Recognizing the potential of this demographic, Cybastion, along with its philanthropic division, Theya Foundation, has proactively engaged in training initiatives. The partnership with the government and Cisco through the Africa DigiEmpower initiative aims to provide a three-day digital skills training program that equips young leaders with necessary capabilities.
Building Local Talent and Infrastructure
COO André Biyong elaborated on the training program, stating it is tailored to nurture local talent for a self-sufficient digital economy. “We want to equip Burkina Faso with modern infrastructure and local capabilities that can support a sustainable digital transformation,” he expressed. This foresight aims to forge pathways for a new generation of talent, thereby reinforcing the nation’s digital sovereignty.
A Strong Partnership for Progress
The unveiling of the American Tech Hub symbolizes a deep-rooted partnership between Cybastion and Burkina Faso. Over the past five years, this collaboration has focused on modernizing the country’s digital ecosystem, particularly in empowering young people and women with essential skills in IT, AI, and cybersecurity. This collective effort is geared towards fostering economic growth and nurturing a vibrant digital community.
In summary, the American Tech Hub stands as a beacon of innovation and empowerment for Burkina Faso, heralding a future where technology plays a pivotal role in the country’s development and economic sovereignty. The commitment by Cybastion to local empowerment through technology could well serve as a model for other nations striving for digital transformation.