In 2018, Ouagadougou took its first steps into the world of smart cities with the launch of the SafeCity pilot project. Built through a partnership with Huawei Technologies, the initiative started modestly. At the time, it relied on just 45 camera sites, four LTE stations, a data center, and a command center.

Despite its limited scale, the system delivered convincing results. Video surveillance and secure communications quickly proved their value for the Defense and Security Forces. Encouraged by these early successes, the authorities decided to go further.

From Pilot Project to National Vision

Two years later, a ministerial decree officially launched the Smart Burkina Faso project. Unlike the pilot phase, this initiative was designed as a large-scale digital transformation serving national security. The ambition was clear and backed by significant investment, including a national contribution of 5 billion CFA francs.

The project was deployed in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso, with results that reflect its scale. Today, the infrastructure includes:

• 650 km of national backbone
• 150 km of metropolitan fiber
• 16 eLTE sites
• More than 900 cameras across over 300 locations
• A modern data center
• Drones
• A state-of-the-art command center

As of April 30, 2025, implementation had reached 88.71% for physical infrastructure and 90.65% for budget execution.

Measuring Impact Beyond Infrastructure

Infrastructure alone does not define success. Its real value lies in measurable impact on daily life.

In road safety, more than 1,000 video requisitions have helped clarify accident circumstances and support awareness campaigns. Video surveillance has also become a key tool for traffic management, especially during peak hours.

When it comes to crime prevention, the results are equally striking. Over 70% of robberies recorded in Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso were captured on camera, significantly easing investigations and leading to faster arrests. Nearly half of previously identified high-crime areas are now considered safer.

The system has also strengthened security during major events such as FESPACO and SIAO, as well as during marches and public rallies, all of which now benefit from enhanced monitoring and coordination.

Strong Acceptance from Forces and Citizens

Perception surveys confirm this transformation. Among Defense and Security Forces, 98% say video surveillance improves their work, and 95% support expanding the system.

Public opinion is similarly positive. Seventy-one percent of citizens report feeling safer, and 92% are aware of the presence of cameras. Notably, 90% believe their privacy is not violated. In a field often marked by sensitivity and mistrust, this level of social acceptance is a strong signal of confidence.

Looking Ahead: Phase 2

With Phase 1 completed in April 2025, attention is now turning to Phase 2. The next stage aims to extend coverage to other regions of the country, integrate artificial intelligence for predictive analysis, and introduce an automated system for detecting and paying traffic fines. Discussions are already underway regarding funding and contractual arrangements.

A Quiet but Profound Shift

The Smart Burkina Faso project reflects a simple yet essential idea: technology does not replace human judgment. It strengthens it. By enabling faster responses, better coordination, and proactive decision-making, digital tools are reshaping how public security operates.

In a security environment marked by complexity and uncertainty, this alliance between innovation and public action is driving a quiet but profound revolution. Burkina Faso now stands among the pioneers in West Africa when it comes to integrating digital technology into security strategies.

Through Smart Burkina Faso, the country shows that it is possible to embrace smart city technologies without sacrificing citizens’ trust—and that security, too, can fully enter the digital age.