Ouagadougou: The first edition of the School and University Excellence Prize in Computer Science (PRESCI) celebrated the best technological projects from pupils and students in Ouagadougou. The awards were presented on Saturday, following deliberations by the jury that applauded the participants' creativity and innovation in promoting digital talents and strengthening Burkina Faso's digital sovereignty.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the chairman of the organizing committee, Abdoul Bassitou Sana, stated that the initiative aims to encourage and reward students in computer science for their projects, creativity, and commitment to technological innovation. Sana highlighted that PRESCI aligns with President Captain Ibrahim Traore's call for national digital sovereignty through local solutions, national data hosting, and information system control.
Sie Anselme Hien, the chairman of the jury, noted that the evaluated projects spanned agriculture, education, health, security, transport, communication, and disinformation combat, with a significant integration of artificial intelligence. The evaluations focused on originality, performance, social and economic impact, entrepreneurial nature, and solution maturity.
In the school category, the top prize went to Ariel Ouedraogo of Unique One School for the "Sotraco App" project, designed to improve urban public transport and ease daily life for Burkinabe people. The second prize was awarded to Jokebed B. Bagamzanre of Nouvelle Vision Municipal High School for "Tenga Yele," an agricultural app guiding farmers on crop choices suited to their soil and weather. The third prize went to Yassia Ouedraogo of Bang-Pore Municipal High School for "Transpa Scann," a solution for securing and authenticating administrative documents.
In the university category, Innocent Kabore of the Virtual University of Burkina Faso secured the first prize with "EdumatchIA," a platform guiding new high school graduates to align their skills with job market needs. Jean de la Croix Zabre from the Institute of Science and Technology won second place with "Ticket Rouge," an app for online ticketing in events. Izzidin Compaore from Aube Nouvelle University took third place with "Ritoto," which facilitates restaurant orders and deliveries.
Winners received certificates, tablets, laptops, and trophies from event partners and sponsors. Representing the Minister of Secondary Education, Vocational and Technical Training, Barthelemy Kabore praised the initiative as a contribution to Burkina Faso's digital transformation. He emphasized digital technology's role in economic and social development and the government's aim to professionalize technical and digital sectors.
Habib Service, representing partners and sponsors, confirmed the private sector's commitment to supporting excellence and innovation. Several companies announced internships and scholarships for participants, offering opportunities in IT, marketing, maintenance, telecommunications, and multimedia.