OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso — Burkina Faso is set to adopt advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence to streamline the collection of statistical data and address challenges posed by inaccessible areas due to security concerns. This initiative was announced during the 4th edition of the 24 hours of debates on demography held on Wednesday, July 24.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the Director General of Economy and Planning, who spoke at the event in Ouagadougou, the integration of new technologies into data collection processes is essential to reduce the high costs associated with producing accurate statistics. He emphasized the importance of data in shaping both specific and broad policies that affect various stakeholders in the public and private sectors.

Dr. Kobyagda highlighted the role of big data and artificial intelligence in enhancing data collection efficiencies. He pointed out that the security crisis in certain areas has made it difficult to access some localities, necessitating the adoption of innovative solutions to gather data remotely.

The incorporation of these technologies also brings up the critical issue of protecting personal data. Dr. Kobyagda assured that protective measures are a key topic of discussion at the debates, aiming to ensure that personal data are securely handled and effectively used as a decision-making tool by both governmental and private entities.

The event, under the theme "Innovation in the collection and processing of data for the development of Burkina Faso," also featured an opening presentation by Issa Zongo, the Director of Population Policies. Zongo's talk focused on the pivotal role of innovative and inclusive statistical data in the planning and evaluation of public policies.