Burkina Faso charts national AI strategy as Vietnam drafts ambitious digital transformation law
Burkina Faso held a workshop to develop its first National AI Action Plan focusing on governance, ethics, and local innovation. A provisional roadmap for 2026-2028 will guide infrastructure and talent development.
Burkina Faso Advances National AI Strategy with Foundational Workshop
Burkina Faso recently took a significant step toward establishing a national artificial intelligence (AI) strategy by hosting a one-day workshop aimed at crafting a foundational blueprint. The event, organized by the Ministry of Digital Transformation, Postal and Electronic Communications, gathered representatives from government bodies and private sector stakeholders.
Known as the National Situational Analysis Workshop, the gathering focused on collecting input that will shape the country’s first National AI Action Plan. Borlli Michel Somé, Secretary General of the Ministry, explained that participants were grouped into working teams covering governance, ethics, data management, innovation, research, and training. Despite these divisions, Somé emphasized the importance of a unified approach during discussions.
A standout aspect of the workshop was the emphasis on leveraging local expertise rather than relying predominantly on foreign-trained professionals. Somé highlighted the need for the plan to deliver practical and lasting solutions, emphasizing the potential for AI to nurture homegrown innovations that benefit all citizens.
Before the full national AI strategy is finalized, Burkina Faso plans to release a provisional roadmap covering 2026 to 2028. Key focus areas include expanding digital infrastructure to support AI services, establishing clear and ethical data governance frameworks, and investing in human capital development to strengthen the talent pool. Additionally, the strategy prioritizes innovation, entrepreneurship, international cooperation, and alignment with national values.
Africa’s Growing AI Adoption and Associated Challenges
Across Africa, several countries have launched national AI strategies in response to increasing AI adoption. Nigeria, for example, leads with notable integration of AI in infrastructure and urban development, with nearly half of Nigerian architects reportedly using AI tools in their workflows. The country has also initiated training programs to expand its technology talent base and is working toward harmonizing policies to maximize AI benefits.
Despite these advances, concerns persist about AI’s potential impact on employment. Estimates suggest that up to 40% of tech outsourcing jobs on the continent could be affected by AI automation, raising important policy questions for governments and legal professionals involved in workforce regulation and economic planning.
Vietnam’s Draft Law on Digital Transformation Targets Accelerated Adoption
Vietnam is preparing new legislation aimed at accelerating digital transformation across its economy. The Ministry of Science and Technology is drafting the Law on Digital Transformation, which seeks to establish a comprehensive framework connecting physical and digital sectors — an area not fully addressed by existing laws.
Unlike previous regulations focused mainly on technology service providers, this draft law assigns a proactive role to the government. It mandates state agencies to spearhead policies and initiatives that promote the adoption of emerging technologies. Should the law be enacted, a significant portion of the state budget will be dedicated to upgrading digital infrastructure.
The legislation will also require government agencies to foster innovation based on emerging technologies, emphasizing transparency and operational efficiency. Agencies will support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in embracing digitization and promote local digital platforms to encourage competition, all while safeguarding consumer rights.
Key technology areas highlighted in the draft include distributed ledger technology (DLT) and artificial intelligence. The law also sets goals for enhancing the workforce’s digital skills, ensuring that Vietnam’s talent pool is equipped to meet future demands.
Recent Digital Progress and Partnerships in Vietnam
Vietnam has demonstrated strong commitment to digital transformation, setting a goal to digitize the economy by the decade’s end. In 2024, the country legalized digital assets and advanced its national digital ID program, integrating electronic prescriptions into the VNeID platform as part of healthcare digitization efforts.
Further strengthening its digital ecosystem, the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) has partnered with South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency (YNA) to enhance news reporting through digital transformation initiatives.
Legal professionals monitoring AI and digital laws should note that AI systems in Vietnam are expected to incorporate enterprise blockchain solutions. This approach guarantees data quality, ownership, security, and immutability, ensuring compliance with legal standards and enhancing trust in AI applications.
Resources for Legal Professionals Interested in AI and Digital Laws
As AI and digital transformation policies evolve in emerging markets like Burkina Faso and Vietnam, legal experts have a critical role in shaping frameworks that balance innovation with ethical governance and societal impact.
