Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are set to create a joint mobile telecommunications operator, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the region.
This project, spearheaded by the Confederation of Sahel States (CSS), aims to enhance connectivity, digital independence, and telecommunications infrastructure across the three countries.
The proposal was officially presented on Friday, January 31, to Burkina Faso’s Minister of Digital Transition, Posts, and Electronic Communications, Aminata Zerbo/Sabane, by a delegation led by Nam Waya Rahouf Ouédraogo.
The new operator, Teriatel, will be designed to provide reliable, efficient, and locally tailored telecommunications solutions for the three nations.
According to Mr Ouédraogo, the goal is to bridge digital gaps and improve access to quality mobile services, particularly in Burkina Faso, where stable and secure communication remains a priority. To turn this vision into reality, the delegation has requested the support of the Burkinabè government.
It will be recalled that CSS announced plans to establish a Regional Investment Bank. This decision was taken during a ministerial meeting of the CSS held in Bamako on January 16, 2025.
Other key decisions from the session include launching transformative infrastructure projects across member states. The meeting was attended by ministers from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, following preparatory discussions held by regional experts on January 14 and 15.
To further integrate members of the CSS, it launched its regional passport, a significant step towards enhancing the free movement of people and goods within its member states.
It will be recalled again that Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso officially withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), effective from today January 29, 2024. However, the CSS declared its borders open to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) nationals, creating a visa-free zone across its territories.
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