Digital inclusion efforts have been a priority in many African countries to bridge the digital divide among rural communities. Burkina Faso is no exception, with significant disparities in access and usage of digital technologies. The study employed a qualitative approach, focusing on interviews with local stakeholders such as community leaders, educators, and technology providers. Data collection was conducted through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions in selected rural communities of Burkina Faso. A notable finding is the significant disparity (50%) in internet access between urban and rural areas, which hinders digital inclusion efforts in the latter. The study highlights the critical role of government policies and community engagement in overcoming the digital divide. Recommendations are provided to address these challenges effectively. Strategic investments should be made in infrastructure development, particularly in rural regions. Community-driven initiatives and partnerships with local leaders are recommended to ensure sustainable digital inclusion.
Vincent et al. (Mon,) studied this question.