OUAGADOUGOU – In a significant step towards digitizing public services, Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Prospective awarded the first ‘PRINNOV/MEFP’ innovation prize to the ‘e-bulletin’ digital platform, operated by the General Directorate of the Budget. This accolade was presented during a ceremony held on January 26.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the ‘e-bulletin’ platform was recognized in the “Excellence” category for its service enabling state public officials to access their pay slips online, providing convenience and accessibility. Additionally, the ‘Lanaya’ digital platform from the General Directorate of Treasury and Public Accounting was awarded the first prize in the creation category for its user-friendly interface that facilitates tracking of payment files.
The awards event saw a total of six official prizes and four special prizes distributed. Special recognition was given to the General Directorate of Public Procurement Control and Financial Commitments for their work in dematerializing the public procurement review, the General Directorate of Taxes for introducing a certified electronic invoice, the General Directorate of Territorial Development for setting up the National Observatory of the Territorial Economy, and the General Directorate of Information Systems for their role in digitizing various ministry functions.
A notable tribute trophy, shaped like a baobab to symbolize resilience and innovation, was also presented to two former department agents, representing the achievements of their predecessors.
The transitional government of Burkina Faso is focused on leveraging digital technology to enhance public administration performance and streamline human resource management. This initiative is part of a broader effort to integrate digital solutions in government operations.
The ‘PRINNOV/MEFP’ 2024 awards also included winners in other categories. The Burkinabè Economic and Social Development Fund secured the second prize in the Excellence category for ‘Burkina Startups’, an IT platform that streamlines project submissions. In the Emergence category, which focuses on developing innovations, the National Executive Secretariat of the National Development Policy and the Directorate General of Taxes were recognized for their investment tracking application and e-Cadastre application, respectively. The Creation category, dedicated to innovations at the design stage, saw the second prize go to the General Directorate of Real Estate Affairs and State Equipment for their Integrated Administrative Lease Database Management System.
This inaugural edition of the PRINNOV/MEFP awards highlights Burkina Faso’s commitment to fostering innovation and digital transformation in its public sector.